The WSOP and ZIPAIR Tokyo are running a Japan-to-Las-Vegas charter flight built around Masato "yokosaaa" Yokosawa for the 2026 series. It is a destination-marketing play aimed squarely at Japanese players, and it is the clearest signal yet that the WSOP is selling the summer experience overseas, not just the prize pools.
Big Announcement! This summer, ZIPAIR Tokyo and Masato Yokosawa are launching a special campaign for the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, with a direct charter flight. Travel and play together.
World Series of Poker (@WSOP)
Why a charter flight makes sense
For players outside the US, logistics are often the hidden cost of a WSOP summer: flights, connections, jet lag, and the uncertainty of arriving late and missing early events. A charter-flight concept reframes that. Instead of a player booking a flight in isolation, they are buying into a coordinated package, alongside other players, with a recognisable face attached. ZIPAIR Tokyo is Japan Airlines' low-cost carrier, well-positioned for this kind of co-branded experience.
Why Yokosawa is the right face
Yokosawa is an obvious face for the campaign. He has long been one of the most visible Japanese pros in Vegas each summer, and his presence bridges the gap between serious grinders and recreational fans who want to be part of the series without the language and logistics barrier. Yokosawa's tournament resume across the WSOP, the WPT, and Triton tour gives the package the credibility recreational players will be looking for.
What it means for 2027
The tweet notes that seats are limited and sales start immediately, which suggests the campaign is designed to convert quickly rather than sit as a long-running promotion. If it works, expect other regional WSOP-aligned ambassadors to run similar packages out of Europe, Brazil, or Southeast Asia in 2027. The 2026 WSOP runs from late May through mid-July at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. Always gamble responsibly. For help, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling.