Jun Kimura Crowns Himself SH Dealer Champion 2026 at Casino Kiel

In the world of casinos, fractions of a second often define a dealer's professionalism. Jun Kimura proved on October 2, 2026, that this is far more than just a craft. At Casino Kiel, the best croupiers and dealers from Schleswig-Holstein gathered to measure their skills at classic roulette and blackjack tables. The competition demanded everything from the participants: from mathematical precision under time pressure to motor excellence in handling chips and cards.

By the end of a long day, a clear winner emerged. Jun Kimura from the host Casino Kiel not only secured the overall victory in the main event but also dominated the specialized side events. He was followed by Danilo Gerards in second place and Sascha Lu in third. The result is particularly significant for the top two finishers, as their success earned them the coveted ticket to the 2027 German Dealer Championship, which will be held in Dortmund.

Numbers and facts

The statistical evaluations of the side events illustrate the extremely high level of this year's championship. Jun Kimura set a clear mark in the "Best Cutting" competition with a time of 27.6 seconds. He was also unbeatable in the "Best Card-Handler" category with 51 seconds. He completed his hat-trick in the individual disciplines as "Best Chipper" with a clocked time of 1:36 minutes.

Other participants shone in specific niches. Josef Hlubucek secured victory in the "Best Pushing Stacks" category, requiring only 1:17 minutes. In the mental task category, "Best Mathematician," Luka Leistner impressed with a time of 2:10 minutes. These figures prove that the dealer profession requires a mix of athletic discipline and intellectual alertness. Tilo Schwonbeck, Director of Casino Kiel, observed the events closely:

„One sees very quickly in such a competition how much precision, experience, and concentration lies behind the work at the gaming table. At the same time, it was nice to experience how naturally sporting ambition and collegial togetherness fit together.“ - Tilo Schwonbeck, Director Casino Kiel

Background

The competition not only served to determine a winner but also functioned as a central meeting point for employees from the Kiel, Lübeck, Schenefeld, and Flensburg locations. In the industry, the Dealer Championship is considered the most important event for quality assurance and professional exchange. Rainer Schepull, Managing Director of Casino SH, emphasized the importance of employees for the overall casino experience.

„Our dealers essentially shape the experience of our guests with their professionalism. During the championship, it becomes clear how much skill lies behind an activity that often looks quite natural in daily operations.“ - Rainer Schepull, Managing Director Casino SH

Preparation for such championships often takes months. While safety and guest service are paramount in regular gaming operations, the competition focuses on the absolute perfection of movement sequences. This also serves to distinguish the standards in state-licensed houses from informal gaming rounds or less regulated markets.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the professionalism of dealers in state casinos is a guarantee of seriousness. Casinos operating in Schleswig-Holstein are subject to strict controls bolstered by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) and state-specific regulations. When playing in a licensed house like Kiel or Lübeck, you can rely on croupiers being not only technically proficient but also strictly adhering to game rules and payout ratios.

Unlike illegal offers or casinos with offshore licenses (Curacao, MGA), GGL-certified German offers and state casinos provide comprehensive player protection. This includes the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros, connection to the OASIS lockout system, and monitoring by the LUGAS database. Anyone wishing to play legally in Germany should always check the whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). Only there is it guaranteed that winnings are reliably paid out and the game is fair. Dealers like Jun Kimura are the face of this legal and secure infrastructure.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The performance of Kimura and his colleagues shows that quality standards in Germany are extremely high. For operators of online casinos holding or seeking a German license, this means they must set similar standards for their live dealer offerings. While the championship takes place physically, player expectations for error-free and fast processes also transfer to the digital sector. The GGL strictly ensures that licensees only work with reputable partners who can prove professional training for their employees. A victory in such a championship is therefore also a seal of quality for the entire Schleswig-Holstein location.