The SiGMA Poker Tour (SPT) kicked off its highly anticipated 2025 season with a five-day spectacle in São Paulo, Brazil, and it was nothing short of a triumph. Hosted at the iconic Monte Carlo Poker Club, the inaugural Brazilian stop set a new benchmark for poker entertainment – merging high-stakes action, vibrant culture, and unforgettable moments that defined the spirit of this growing global tour.

From the moment the first chip hit the felt, it was clear this wasn’t your average poker stop. If poker tournaments typically lean on tension and stoic strategy, the SiGMA Poker Tour Brazil edition turned that on its head. With drums beating, animal mascots dancing, and an atmosphere more festival than final table, the SPT delivered all the ingredients for an event set to become a staple in poker circles.

And let’s not forget the now-iconic “I Don’t Even Fold My Laundry” hoodies by SWAG42, making waves with players and fans alike. It was merch that didn’t just fit the mood but became part of the experience.

“We brought the show to their doorstep and São Paulo showed up!” said Ivonne Montealgre, SiGMA Poker Tour’s Operations Manager.

Additionally, the SPT staff tourney – set to become a staple in the SPT schedule, took place towards the end of the event, with the SiGMA Squad coming together for a light-hearted and impromptu tournament.

Big wins and even bigger stories

Leading the headlines was Deddi Orpaz, who claimed victory in the $770 Main Event after an intense five-day battle against 293 entrants. The Israeli player, in town for the BiS SiGMA Americas tech and gaming expo – which took place in the same week – walked away with a handsome $58,700, securing his second career title. His journey was a dramatic one – early stumbles, a climb back to the top, and a bold final all-in move that knocked out Argentine chip leader Jaques Blit in a high-pressure showdown.

Blit, despite the loss, walked away with $32,600, while Cristian Rico, a homegrown Brazilian talent, secured $23,300 after a hard-fought tournament.

Adding a touch of family legacy to the tour, Deddi’s son Tom Orpaz was honored when his company – FIRST Best in Sports – won the Rising Star of the Year at the BiS Awards just days earlier, making this a week to remember for the Orpaz family.

Legends on the Riise

One of the standout celebrity appearances came courtesy of Liverpool football legend John Arne Riise, who was seen grinding at the tables – with one of his entries sponsored by a familiar face from the SiGMA expo floor – Payment Center. Fans got a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime chance to sit across from the icon, blending football fame with poker finesse.

Online personality and SPT ambassador Lukas Robinson brought his own brand of charm, capturing the excitement through a series of viral reels. His content added a fresh, digital flair that expanded the tour’s reach beyond the felt.

Speaking to SiGMA News he shared his first impressions, saying, “I’ve played poker all across the world, and this? This is special. When Ivonne Montealegre first approached me about being an ambassador of the SiGMA Poker Tour, I just had this gut feeling that this was something different. It’s even more unique than I expected. The people, the Brazilian food, the vibe – it’s been unreal.”

“Most poker tournaments are cold. Sunglasses on, hoodies up, no chat, just money-making. This isn’t that. This is… community. This is an experience. You’re not just paying to play cards, you’re paying for food, drinks,  the whole thing, the full immersive experience,” he went on to say. 

Also making an appearance was ambassador Ronald Lopes. Six years ago, Lopes was driving for Uber in his hometown in Brazil. Today, he’s the founder of Brazil’s first affiliate school, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and a rising poker name in the LATAM region. “I won best affiliate programme in LATAM, best affiliate 2025,” he says, proudly but without boasting. Lopes is acutely aware of the shifts happening in Brazil’s gaming industry. “Before, many people did not play because the gaming market was not regulated,” he says. “Now, it’s regulated. Better. But we still have black market operators. It’s not easy.” He speaks like someone who’s in the thick of it—not just from a player’s perspective, but as a businessman shaping the future of iGaming in Brazil and beyond. His work spans multiple LATAM countries, running traffic and testing markets in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico.

Still, it’s not all strategy and spreadsheets. Ask Lopes what he does when he’s not working, and his eyes light up. “Poker. YouTube. And SiGMA,” he laughs. “SiGMA changed my life. I met the company that bought my company at a SiGMA event.”

Hendon Mob LATAM Championship

One of Brazil’s most decorated players, Marcelo Mesqueu, headlined the side events by taking down the first-ever Hendon Mob LATAM Championship. With just 19 entries, it was a small but mighty competition, and Mesqueu’s victory earned him R$ 11,850 and a package to the Cape Town Million in South Africa. 

Roland Boothby, Head of Partnerships at GPI/The Hendon Mob, offered further insights into the strategic partnerships between SiGMA and the Hendon Mob – a recognised industry standard for ranking poker players with championships set to take place across 5 continents this year. Commenting on his excitement to venture into new territory with the SiGMA tour, Bootby noted that, “One place we´ve never entered in terms of the live event realm is South America. Brazil is booming when it comes to poker, Brazilian players are known for being the most fun to play with. The market is at the start of its journey and SiGMA has unique potential to connect events and networking to the poker community. 

Poker powerhouse

The SiGMA Divas 20K was another jewel in the crown of the São Paulo stop, boasting one of the largest female fields ever in Latin America with over 120 entries. Brazilian poker talent Dory Brito triumphed, walking away with R$ 4,600 and a golden ticket to the Malta leg of the tour. “It’s a huge emotion,” said Brito. “This was my third Divas tournament, and I really wanted this win. It’s a big step for women’s poker in Brazil.”

Additionally, the EGT Platinum event on Friday, which was powered by EGT, Evenbet, Red Star Poker, and Payment Center brought a C-Level crowd to the table, luring top tier names from the BiS SiGMA Americas conference and summit.

SPT heads to Malta this September

Poker fans are in for an electrifying year – looking ahead, the excitement continues with the next SiGMA Poker Tour set for September 2025. Taking place in Malta, the event will align with SiGMA Euro-Med, offering another chance for poker players to showcase their skills and make their mark in the spotlight.