Since 2020, the poker segment has grown by 150%, with more than 10 million fans worldwide. In Brazil, the number of players went from 100 thousand in 2006 to 4 million in 2018, according to data from Statista.
Recently, the Brazilian Confederation of Texas Hold’em (CBTH) reported that there are already more than 7 million regular players, both in person and online. This growth highlights the market and the increase in professional players.
Among these players are Isabella Oliveira, 28 years old, and Victor Marques, with more than 20 years of experience. Both will participate in the Enjoy Poker Tour, which takes place at Enjoy Punta del Este Casino & Resort, in August.
Interview with Isabella Oliveira
How did you get started in Poker and professional poker?
I started playing with friends during Civil Engineering college. Afterwards, I started playing at a poker club next to college. I was offered to work as a dealer at night, and I ended up falling in love with the sport. So, I left college to work as a dealer and travel around Brazil on the biggest circuits.
My dream has always been to play, and in 2018 I managed to join a team playing micro, while continuing my work as a dealer. In 2019, I was finally able to leave my other job and live as a professional player.
How many times do you travel a year to tournaments?
I travel approximately five times a year. I participate in the Enjoy Poker Tour stages in Uruguay and two events in Brazil. Sometimes I also travel to Vegas or Europe, like this year, we chose to participate in EPT Barcelona right after the Enjoy event.
What are your hobbies outside of poker?
I really like weight training, I’m passionate about films and series, and I love watching the sunset on the beach or by the lake. Being in contact with nature is essential for me.
How do you prepare for a game? Like before and after?
I always do a meditation to be grateful for the opportunity and try to visualize how I would like my day to be, as a way to calm down and focus.
And as a female player, what is the biggest myth?
The biggest myth is that women are not as good as men or that they do not achieve as much as men. Today, at the height of female participation in tournaments, we are still just 5% of the total number of players in the world. We were introduced into the game much later, but even so, I believe that women have stood out in an incredible way.
Which tournament do you want to win? What was your greatest achievement?
Definitely the Main Event of the Enjoy Poker Tour. My biggest achievement was an $8K online tournament. I intend to develop more and more and win more tournaments.
Why do you consider it important to have a tournament for women at the event?
This tournament serves as a gateway for women to feel more comfortable in an environment as sexist as Poker. It’s so they don’t feel intimidated at a table with eight men. Encourages competition in a more pleasant environment. Ladies tournaments are exactly that. It’s for women to have fun, laugh and have more representation in Poker.
Interview with a professional Poker player
How did you get started in Poker and professional poker?
I learned to play draw poker, or closed poker, when I was 7 years old, with my grandfather. I learned Texas Hold’em at 17, with my brother. I participated in my first tournament in 2003, when I was 23 years old. In 2005, I played the first Poker tournament at Enjoy Punta del Este. The fundamental thing I learned from the beginning is to have fun playing. The game should never become boring or stressful. Always enjoy playing and enjoy the tables!
How many times do you travel a year to tournaments?
I travel at least twelve times a year to cities like Las Vegas, Barcelona, Panama and, of course, my beloved Punta del Este.
What is your opinion on the growth of Poker in Brazil in recent years?
I believe that the good image of Poker as a fun game, with reasoning and strategy, prevailed. This attracted a lot of people interested. There is still a lot to grow, but the numbers are impressive!
Currently, the players who have stood out the most are Brazilians. In your opinion, what is the difference between Brazilian players and foreign players?
Brazilian players are very interested in studying and improving the game. They consume a lot of educational content, discuss hands and are very competitive. Furthermore, we have Poker teams that shorten many paths in the learning process.
How do you think Poker can grow and be encouraged even more?
I believe that Brazil is today the most prominent country in online Poker. Good stories, those about life transformation, appear at virtual tables. It is important to continue telling these stories, creating idols and adding new people to the scene.
Which player would you like to share the table with?
With my friends Pamela Balzano and Isabella Oliveira. In addition to being great players, they are incredible people and would be great company for us to have fun and learn too.
What was your first contact with Enjoy Punta del Este like?
As I said above, I had the pleasure of playing the first Poker tournament at Enjoy Punta del Este in 2005. I have a true love story with this very special place, a true temple of Poker. Every time I return to Enjoy, there is something new to discover, new friends and great stories to tell. We live by this!
