Welcome to the fascinating world of Flag Hunting in poker! For those unfamiliar, flag hunting is the pursuit of earning country flags on Hendon Mob by cashing in live poker tournaments worldwide.
Today, we spotlight Yuri Ishida, KKPoker's sponsored pro and Japan’s leading flag hunter. With an incredible 40+ country flags as of November 2024, she ranks 6th globally and is one of the most inspiring figures in poker's international scene.
In this exclusive interview, Yuri shares her insights on poker, traveling, and her journey to becoming the Queen of Flag Hunting.
From her recommended countries for poker trips to travel tips and tales of risky adventures, this is a must-read for anyone looking to step up their international poker game.
What is Flag Hunting in Poker?
Flag hunting is more than just a record of where you’ve played poker—it’s a way to combine passion for the game with a love for travel.
Each flag represents a country where a player has cashed in a live poker event. Dedicated "flag hunters" aim to collect as many as possible, making the Hendon Mob leaderboard their ultimate goal.
Japanese Poker Trailblazer
Yuri began her poker journey as a dealer, and learnt the game on her days off playing with her coworkers for fun. Many beginner poker players begin for fun, and are then hooked by the strategy.
"Poker is a game of incomplete information. It allows for bluffing and mind games, making it intriguing. I love how it’s a mental battle where you can win regardless of your hand’s strength." said Yuri.
"I’ve always loved traveling, so the idea of combining poker with exploring different countries was appealing. I was already playing abroad when a friend mentioned Hendon Mob’s Flag Hunting rankings."
"This friend was collecting flags in less-known countries, and I thought, “I want to try this too!” I started in 2018, right before the pandemic."
Yuri's first recorded Hendon Mob live tournament cash came in 2012 at the APPT Cebu, Phillipines. She then had a deep run in the 2012 WSOP $10,000 Main Event, finishing in 440th place from 6,598 entries. Since then, Yuri has amassed over $700,000 in cashes, and has 216 recorded live results.
In recent years, Yuri has also had the support of KKPoker.
"Coincidentally, green is my lucky color, so KK’s green and black color scheme feels perfect to me—it’s very stylish." said Yuri.
"I also appreciate how easy it is to play KKPoker on my phone. Some older software requires a PC, which isn’t great for someone like me who’s not tech-savvy. Being able to play conveniently between my travels is a huge plus."
THE LIFE OF POKER TRAVEL
"Blending poker and trips is the perfect balance for me. Playing with people from all over the world allows me to make international friends, share ideas, and experience new cultures—something I love. Japan’s poker scene is growing, and it’s great to see, but I feel more comfortable playing abroad, where I can connect with unfamiliar people more freely.
"I’ve visited about 65–70 countries, and I’ve earned flags in 40 of them so far. Recently, I achieved 43 flags after playing in Iceland, Lithuania, and the Isle of Man.
"Every country has its charm, but Morocco stands out for its luxurious venues, food, and accommodations. I also recommend Cyprus—it’s all-inclusive, providing meals daily and even snacks at the poker venue. It’s a country rich in history with beautiful beaches and great sightseeing options. Cyprus was memorable, but not always in a good way. I made a mistake with the cash I was carrying, and authorities confiscated all of it. Since then, I’ve learned to be extra cautious about currency regulations when traveling.
"My goal is to top the Flag Hunter leaderboard. However, a Canadian player named Dominick has been unstoppable this year, collecting flags in 34 countries just in 2024!
"Funnily enough, I introduced him to Flag Hunting in 2023, and now he’s my rival.
"Flag Hunting combines the thrill of poker with the joy of exploring the world. If you love travel and poker, it’s an experience like no other. Let’s make the most of our poker journeys!"
LIVE POKER FOR LESS WITH KKPOKER
KKPoker offers live poker via the new KKPoker Tour (KKPT) and KKLIVE.
KKPoker has hosted live poker events in nations such as Japan, Canada, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ireland and more!
You can also begin your Flag Hunter journey via KKPoker online satellites and attend our partner events in locations across Europe and the Americas.
