WPT Championship Ignites the Spirit of Aussie Poker Legend James Obst

After an absence of over three and a half years from live poker, James Obst has made a spectacular return, culminating in his recent victory at the WPT Australia Championship.

A Triumphant Comeback

Obst’s win at the WPT Australia Championship is a remarkable story. The 34-year-old from Melbourne dominated the competition, flying two hours north to the Star Gold Coast, where he earned AUD $585,359 (approximately $398,488) and secured his third major live poker title.

A Journey Back to Poker

Once a teenage sensation in online poker, Obst faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. He experienced a long hiatus from live tournaments, focusing instead on professional tennis and managing health issues. Despite these hurdles, Obst felt a compelling draw to the WPT Australia Championship.

“Traveling for live poker can be tough for me due to health complications,” Obst explained. “However, when I learned about this major event in my home country, it felt like the right opportunity to compete for a significant prize.”

A Legacy in Poker

James Obst, known online as ‘Andy McLEOD,’ first gained recognition for his skill in high-stakes tournaments. By 2017, he had won his first WSOP bracelet and amassed notable achievements, including a 13th-place finish in the 2016 WSOP Main Event.

However, in the mid-2010s, the Australian government banned online poker, significantly impacting Obst’s ability to compete. Instead, he pursued his dream of professional tennis, limiting his poker schedule to just a few weeks each summer.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a prolonged period of isolation for Obst, during which he struggled both personally and professionally. “It was a dark time for me,” he shared. “I lost my fitness and was unable to participate in poker or tennis.”

But when opportunities began to arise in the summer of 2023, Obst seized the moment, reaching three WSOP final tables and winning a second WSOP bracelet in 2024.

A Victorious Return

Despite his limited experience in No Limit Hold’em, Obst was drawn to the WPT Australia Championship, especially after his successful summer. With friends in attendance and a chance to compete for a major title, he entered the tournament with enthusiasm.

Obst quickly took the chip lead on Day 3, ultimately leading to his victory. “Seeing old friends and winning this event has been incredibly uplifting,” he remarked. “I feel fortunate to have had such a successful week.”

A Hopeful Future for Australian Poker

Throughout the tournament, Obst experienced a renewed sense of hope and optimism within the Australian poker community. Despite the ongoing challenges, he noticed a resurgence of enthusiasm for the game.

“I spoke with a friend from Melbourne who was amazed by the current field sizes and event offerings, which he never thought possible after the online poker ban,” Obst noted. “The passion for poker remains strong, and the future looks bright with new talent emerging in the scene.”

Looking Ahead

Following his WPT title and successful summers in Las Vegas, Obst is gaining recognition in the poker world once more. His victory earned him a seat in the 2024 WPT World Championship, signaling a potential return to the game he loves.

While Obst is currently focused on tennis and other pursuits, he acknowledges that his return to poker is inevitable. “I miss the grind of playing events in Vegas and traveling for tournaments,” he admitted. “Once I resolve my current commitments, I plan to dive back into poker more seriously.”

A New Chapter

Obst is optimistic about his future in poker. “With the physical training I’ve undertaken and my improved health, I believe I can play better than ever,” he said. “I’m excited about the possibilities ahead.”

James Obst’s journey showcases resilience and passion, reminding us of the enduring spirit of poker in Australia and beyond.