The World Poker Tour (WPT) has delved into the entertainment world to find its newest brand ambassador in well-known Las Vegas musician and producer Steve Aoki. The two-time Grammy-nominated Aoki achieved fame as an online DJ before expanding across several music and entertainment niches.
Aoki's widespread mainstream fame fits well to the WPT's marketing plans, and Aoki will be doing far more than just playing poker at WPT stops. According to a World Poker Tour press statement, Aoki will play a "pivotal role" in helping the WPT raise its brand awareness and develop a new look and identity.
"It's such an honor to be joining the WPT family. I have watched and admired the WPT for many, many years and to now be part of the WPT family; it feels so surreal and I am incredibly grateful,” Aoki said.
Aoki made name in electronic dance music as touring DJ
Aoki's rise to international fame on the music scene wasn't what might have been expected, given his background. He is the heir to the fortune of Japanese-American restaurateur Rocky Aoki, who launched the successful Benihaha restaurant chain. Steve Aoki's fame, though, came in music.
The younger Aoki entered the music business at a young age, founding his Dim Mak Records label at age 19. He spent the next decade and more as part of several bands and as a music producer, while also developing his own following as a popular traveling DJ, putting on major electronic music shows around the globe, with an emphasis on college campuses.
Aoki was twice nominated for Grammy awards, in 2017 for Best Music Film, "I'll Dance When I'm Dead," and in 2013 for Best Dance/Electronica Album, "Wonderland". Aoki has not won any Grammys as yet, but has collected other top music awards, including a 2008 Billboard Award for Best Mix Album of the Year, "Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles".
The multi-talented Aoki also brings a massive social-media following to his new partnership with the WPT. He enjoys more than 35 million followers combined across several different prominent social-media sites, including more than 8.2 million followers on Twitter.
Aoki offers 'long history' with poker to WPT role
When not busy with his widespread music durties, Aoki has brushed up against poker in numerous ways. He's friends with numerous prominent pros, according to the WPT, and has begun playing a few events himself, such as the 2021 World Poker Tour Heads-Up Poker Championship.
The WPT plans to utilize Aoki in conjunction with several upcoming events and initiatives. Those will include an invite-only charity event in Las Vegas that will benefit the Aoki Foundation, Steve Aoki's own charity, which focuses on brain science and research.
“The passion and energy in which Steve Aoki approaches every aspect of his life is both inspiring and very much in line with the new vision of the WPT,” said the WPT's CEO, Adam Pliska. “Steve’s love of poker and his dedication to inspiring others to live life to the fullest makes him the ideal WPT brand ambassador. We are honored to have him play an active role in our transformation and in the celebration of World Poker Tour’s 20th anniversary.”
About Steve Aoki
Featured image source: WorldPokerTour.com
