Five First With 2012 World Series of Poker Bracelet Winner Naoya Kihara
Wednesday night was a night of many firsts. Naoya Kihara was able to best a field of 419 players in Event #34: $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha to take home his first bracelet. Kihara admitted that Wednesday was his first time playing pot-limit Omaha heads-up. His win marked the very first bracelet won by a Japanese native. We got a chance to catch up with Kihara moments after his win to get a get a few of his first thoughts.
When was the first moment that you realized you could win this tournament?
Actually, when Day 1 finished, I finished 12th in chips. Then there were only 72 players remaining, and I got 12th. At that time, I started to think a little bit about that.
Who is the first person you're going to call and tell?
I have not decided yet, but I need to make a call to my parents.
What's the first thing that you're going to buy?
Hmm. A watch I think. [Laughs]
Who was the first person that you hugged or high-fived after you won?
My girlfriend.
What is the first thing that you thought after you won?
'I want to sleep,' actually. I'm tired actually. I couldn't sleep a lot the last two days. I was too excited and I couldn't sleep at all, so I need to rest.
Naoya said that he was going to use his winnings to also start playing more live tournaments, and that his dream as a poker player is to become a sponsored player. He plans to play some more Omaha tournaments over the summer as well as the Main Event.
