Voices of the SiGMA Poker Tour: Bianca Lira reshuffles the deck
Meeting Bianca Lira, youre struck by her balance: self-assured and articulate without trying too hard. Shes friendly, open, and has the sharp, analytical mind of someone who has long studied the psychology of people and probabilities. One gets the feeling that had she not been forced back to Brazil due to US visa restrictions, wed be hearing her name alongside the breakout stars of the American poker circuit.
Lira brings a rare mix of tactical finesse and quiet defiance to the SiGMA Poker Tour at the Monte Carlo Club in S?o Paulo this week.
Poker, particularly in Latin America, remains stubbornly male-dominated, she notes. But talent, Lira insists, has no gender. Her return to the tables in S?o Paulo is backed by EvenBets VIP package and strategic support.
The partnership aligns with EvenBet Gamings broader push to diversify pokers demographic and promote equity at the professional level. The company, which powers online poker ecosystems worldwide, is doubling down on hybrid formatsbridging online qualifiers with marquee live events like SiGMA. Backing both the Brazil and Malta legs of the tour suggests a clear intent to globalise the game and broaden its reach.
Mentored by the best
Lira does not embellish her origin story. It started in 2013 when I was in college studying radio and television here in Brazil, she recalls. I started playing for an online team. It was the biggest one at that time, and I learned sit-and-go strategy with one of the best players in Brazil, Johnny Bower. That early mentorship lit a fire. From that moment on, I couldnt stop playing.
Her journey took her to live cash games across S?o Paulo before she ventured to the US, grinding in Florida, Vegas, and LA. I had the opportunity to go to the US, she says. But Im not a US citizen, so I eventually had to come back. The poker world in the States may have missed out, but Brazil got its homegrown contender back.
Liras definition of professionalism cuts through the mystique often surrounding the game: What defines a professional poker player is looking for the best play, independent of the results, not being results-oriented.
Despite poker being a male-dominated space, were 5%, even here in the 바카라. Lira hasnt let that define her experience. I never experienced a bad situation at the tables, she says. Maybe its because of the way I behave. I dont know. Could be.
Poker found me when I least expected it, Bianca says, a quiet edge of defiance sharpening her words. I was in college, studying radio and TV. Then I joined this online team – the biggest in Brazil at the time. That was it. I was hooked.
That was 2013, and she hasnt looked back since. From sit-and-gos in S?o Paulo to cash games across the U.S., Bianca carved out her space with a combination of self-belief and stamina. I learned from one of the best – Johnny Bower. Sit-and-go strategy, discipline, and reading people. He was my first mentor. I owe him a lot.
But poker, particularly live games, isnt exactly overflowing with women. Were five percent. Maybe less, she says, glancing around the tournament room. Its always been like this. Ive been lucky because Ive never experienced harassment personally. But I know girls who came, got asked something gross at the table, and never came back.
From S?o Paulo to Las Vegas
So why stay? Because I can. Because Im good. Because I love it.
Her transition from editing video in a S?o Paulo newsroom to calling river bluffs in Las Vegas wasnt seamless. My parents were horrified. Lawyers, both of them. They thought I was throwing away my education. But now that the games getting regulated, theyre warming to it. I think theyll show up if I make the final table. She smiles, then adds, When I make the final table.
Bianca is frank about the reality of professional poker. Its not glamorous. Its long hours, heavy variance, and financial pressure. I tell anyone starting out that you need at least a years worth of expenses covered. Dont let the money affect your decisions.
Still, shes not one for contingency plans. I dont believe in Plan B. You commit, or you dont. Thats the only way you win.
Study is constant. Practice is essential. I go back to the hands I played and run them through solvers. I talk to better players. You have to be humble in this game, accept that you make mistakes, a lot of mistakes – and learn from them.
Her ambitions stretch well beyond Brazils booming poker scene. I want to travel more and play more internationally. Thats why partnerships are crucial. Ive just started working with EvenBet, and theyve been amazing. Financial backing, moral support – everything.
And Brazil? Its exploding. Second-biggest circuit after Vegas. People here are obsessed – poker is the new football.
Shes also refreshingly honest about the internal dynamics between women in the field. Women are fierce. Really fierce. Sometimes, too much. I think men support each other more openly. We could learn from that.
As for the future of 바카라s in Brazil, she sees it as inevitable. Were almost there. Online is regulated now, and land-based will come. Itll bring jobs, tax money, hopefully used properly.
She leaves with a nod, a grin, and a promise to return. I was the bubble yesterday. Today, Im back. Thats poker. You just keep playing.
Stay updated with the latest tournaments, winners, and behind-the-scenes action from the SiGMA Poker Tour. Follow us here and dont miss a hand! ????
Ready to play your hand? Join us at the SiGMA Poker Tour in S?o Paulo for the best poker action and top-tier networking.
And dont miss the next stop – SiGMA Poker Tour heads to Malta this September for more high-stakes excitement. See you at the tables!
