Voices from the SiGMA Poker Tour: Barrios joins the action from Chile
A civil engineer by profession and a dedicated public servant at Chile’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Felipe Barrios seamlessly balances his governmental role with his passion for poker. His journey offers a unique lens into the evolving poker scene in Chile, a country where the game is still carving its niche.
Engineering by day, poker by night
Barrios’s debut in poker began in 2009 during his university years. However, academic commitments led him to take a break. It wasn’t until the pandemic in 2020 that he rekindled his interest, initially focusing on cash games before transitioning to tournaments. “I started to play cash.. but I’m here because I started to play tournaments more often since last year,” he shared.
Despite his deep involvement in poker, Barrios remains committed to his engineering career. “For me, poker is a hobby. I study poker a lot. Always I try to do my best in everything that I do,” he emphasized. This disciplined approach reflects his analytical mindset, honed through years in engineering.
Exploring Chile’s poker scene
Chile’s poker scene presents unique challenges. Unlike neighbouring Brazil and Argentina, which boast vibrant poker communities and frequent tournaments, Chile’s offerings are limited. “Poker in Chile… the industry doesn’t really exist Poker in Chile is concentrated in casinos with organisation that is not too developed,” Barrios observed.
The primary venues for live poker are casinos like Sun Monticello and Enjoy Viña del Mar. However, the frequency and scale of tournaments are modest. Dreams Casino, a chain operating in southern Chile, has been making strides to promote the game. Events like the “Ases de la Patagonia” tournament in Punta Arenas have attracted players from across the region . Yet, these initiatives are sporadic, and the overall infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
Online poker in Chile operates in a legal to grey area. While the government grants a monopoly to Polla Chilena for online gambling, which doesn’t include poker, many Chileans access international platforms without legal repercussions . Barrios, like many, plays online daily, balancing his sessions with his professional responsibilities.
Poker community in Chile
Chile has produced notable poker talents, such as Nicolás Fierro, known online as “PKaiser,” who has amassed over $13 million in online tournament winnings . However, the community remains fragmented. Efforts to build a cohesive network are ongoing, with players like Barrios participating in study groups and online forums to share strategies and insights.
Barrios himself is proactive in seeking knowledge, having studied materials from renowned players like Adrián Mateos and collaborating with peers from Peru, Costa Rica, and Mexico. “We created a small community and started to take classes, trying to apply the new knowledge,” he recounted.
Future of poker in Chile
The path forward for poker in Chile hinges on several factors. Regulatory reforms could pave the way for more structured and frequent tournaments. Casinos like Dreams are already taking steps in this direction, organizing events that draw significant participation . Moreover, the potential for online poker legalisation could further invigorate the scene.
Barrios remains optimistic yet realistic. While he dreams of dedicating himself fully to poker, he acknowledges the stability and fulfilment his engineering career provides. “I think in my job or my profession, I feel comfortable. For me, it’s more comfortable to have my profession because I like my job too,” he stated.
Barrios’ story reflects the passion and perseverance of many Chilean poker enthusiasts striving to elevate the game’s status in their country. As the community grows and structures solidify, players like Barrios will undoubtedly be at the forefront, bridging the gap between professional life and poker prowess.
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