James Obst on his WPT Australia victory, preparation, and what's next
With the 2025 WPT Australia Festival fast approaching, we caught up with last year’s Championship Event winner, James Obst, who claimed his first WPT title and over $585,000 in prize money at The Star Gold Coast. Known for his elite mixed games skills as one of Australia's leading poker exports, Obst shared with us some reflections on his win, his preparation techniques and a look ahead at this year’s series.
A Win That Felt Surreal
Obst’s victory in the 2024 WPT Australia Championship was a one of many defining moments in his career, but the experience was anything but typical.
“Mostly I remember the feelings as being disbelief and confusion,” he said. “I’d gotten a little sick after traveling, was having big trouble sleeping and on fumes by the final day.”
Despite the physical toll, he was riding a wave of momentum.
“I was having so much fun during the trip, on and off the table. I expected something would go wrong to be honest. That Travis would have to get there on the river and I’d be forced into a grueling heads-up match. But it just didn’t happen that way.”
Obst added with a laugh:
“I had no answers to why everything was going so well for me. That's not exactly the baseline experience for a tournament poker player, haha.”
Training for Poker Through Tennis
Obst’s preparation for poker festivals is deeply influenced by his passion for tennis - a sport that demands discipline and physical endurance.
“Some people know that tennis is a passion I have outside of poker. It’s hard for the two to coexist at the same time because of the stresses of both,” he explained. “If I lose continuity with my physical training, I pay a big price.”
This unique balance means he often arrives at poker events feeling physically strong, even if he hasn’t spent as much time studying poker.
“I probably show up feeling like I should’ve done more work on my game, which does suck. But I’m never burned out, and I’m excited to play. That helps me make better decisions deep in tournaments.”
Obst also credits his early years of intense poker study for giving him a strong foundation.
“I had a past life of inhaling poker night and day to lean on. There are some intangibles of being a great live poker player that lie outside of solver land, and I think my lifestyle’s been helping with that - it’s working OK for now.”
Festival Survival: Sleep, Nutrition, and Fun
When playing multiple events during a festival, Obst is strategic about his recovery.
“I prioritise sleep, R&R, and eating healthily over everything. You need to have a bit of fun, but my body doesn’t let me get away with much when 11 hours a day of poker are involved.”
But when the schedule is lighter?
“If I’m just playing one or two events, there’s no expectations - so you better have a good time while you’re there!”
Goals That Keep Him Grounded
Despite his accolades including two bracelets and now a maiden WPT title, Obst's goals are more personal than performance-based.
“The only goal I think I have is to feel my best at the table. I want to be relaxed, which then allows me to play my best, and have the most fun. It’s not always easy, but that’s why it stays the goal.”
He’s mindful about not tying his emotional wellbeing to results.
“I might be inclined to set high goals in terms of money or achievements, but I don’t think it makes sense to do it and be emotionally impacted by failing to meet them unless I chose to fully recommit to the game.”
WPT Australia: A World-Class Experience
Obst had high praise for last year’s WPT Australia experience at The Star Gold Coast.
“I had a great experience. I remember enjoying little things like the aesthetics of how they set up the room. The staff were a pleasure to be around. High-quality dealers.”
He also noted the buzz around the side events.
“My friends were busy getting in lots of side events that were all popular. The Star Sydney has always been a premier poker location in the country, so this series stands out as one that everyone who’s serious about poker in Australia will be trying to get to.”
What He’s Got His Eye On in 2025
With an estimated $10 million in total prize pools and the Mike Sexton Champions Cup up for grabs in Sydney for the first time, this year’s WPT Australia is set to be historic. Obst shared what’s catching his eye.
“Aside from the Championship Event, my eyes always peel to any PLOs or other games that might be on offer. A $5k PLO Championship looks pretty great, and the $1k single-day PLO would be a gas.”
WPT Australia returns this year from 18 September through to 2 October at The Star Sydney, promising world-class poker action, unforgettable experiences, and a chance to etch your name alongside legends like James Obst. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tournament conditions apply. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter the casino. Player Activity Statements are available on request from the Guest Service Desk, via The Star App or our Website. Help is close at hand. GambleAware gambleaware.nsw.gov.au 1800 858 858