Tatiana Fox
Emerson.M.
Winner of the Pura Vida Bounty 2025
The second day of the Costa Rica Poker Festival started with a influx of players for Day 1A, of the Main Event followed by the Tico Cup in the evening. Many players attended the off felt activities during the day and arrived in the afternoon at the Sheraton keen to play the tournaments. There are 5 main event flights left with the $100,000 USD guarantee, expected to be reached.
We caught up with event owner Ivonne Montealegre for a Day 2 recap:
Ivonne, how are your numbers for Day 2?
Today we have had lots of people show up. Can you believe we are well on our way to reach the Main Event guarantee and we have 5 flights left. My forecast is we are going to reach at least 200k for the Main Event. Today the Tico Cup has 91 runners, 18 RE and a total prize pool of $19,019 USD. Registration has now closed and we wait for our winner. Lots of players went on the tours and had lots of fun. The white water rafting reached speeds of 30kms an hour, they loved it. Costa Rica is a top destination for outdoor activities. It is also considered one of the most Eco diverse environments in the world.
What has the feedback been from the players?
The players are happy with the poker operations. The investment from the Kickers Club with the new tables was amazing. This ballroom was only finished two months ago, just in time for this event. So we are in a new ballroom, in a great hotel with all the facilities. All the players think it’s great. The players are telling me, Ivonne Costa Rica needed this, Costa Rica deserved this. We used to have a banging poker scene. This event today reminds all of us Costa Rican’s what we are capable of.
The cash games are going well in the Casino, are you expecting bigger games on the weekend?
We will definitely have bigger games on the weekend. We have some pros coming in from LA that play high stakes PLO and for sure we are going to open up some big tables. We have the High Roller on Sunday at 6pm and $150 Satellite to the CR High Roller on Saturday at 7pm. I am also seeing some interesting characters, an ex Swiss WSOP winner that has retired here, has just showed up and some flag hunters that are after the Costa Rican flag.
How long has it been since Costa Rica has had a international poker series?
To be honest with you it has been a long time and I will look into my records. There has not been anything like this for a long time, with this many tables.
So a big weekend of poker incoming?
Yes and lets not forget the Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS) championship on Saturday. My wish is that all the ladies turn up for a fun afternoon of poker. We are going to make it special for them and there are two trophies for the winner.
We will catch up with Ivonne on Day 3 of the Costa Rica Poker Festival, as we eagerly await the first Tico Cup Winner.
