Voices of the SiGMA Poker Tour: Ronald Lopes, Brazil's poker natural
By any measure, Ronald Lopes is one of the most endearing characters to come out of the LATAM gaming scene. Hes not your typical hardened poker face. Far from it because Lopes brings charm, humour, and a refreshing lack of ego to the poker tables. He plays poker with heart and a grin that reflects his attitude of, Lets enjoy this ride.
Award-winning Ronald Lopes is one of the stars participating in the SiGMA Poker Tour in S?o Paulo this week. A standout figure in Brazils iGaming and affiliate scene, Lopes arrives with the same sharp instinct and ambition that have recently earned him top industry accolades. He represents a masterclass in influence, strategic thinking, and economic empowerment. With a mission to turn 300 Brazilians into multimillionaires through the pay-for-performance model, his presence promises more than just poker.
We caught up with Lopes during the SiGMA Poker Tour in S?o Paulo, and what unfolded was less of a formal interview and more of a delightful conversation that one would have with an old friend. Although not entirely confident in his English, he spoke without hesitation and insisted on conducting the interview in English, eager to challenge himself. Its impossible not to like him.
I started poker when I was 16 years old, he said proudly, before breaking into a smile. In school, on PokerStars, in free tournaments, and I also played with friends. I watched YouTube a lot. Its this mix of humility and tenacity that defines him. He doesnt pretend to be a professional, but make no mistake, he is on his way there.
Six years ago, Lopes was driving for Uber in his hometown in Brazil. Today, hes the founder of Brazils 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, enthusiastic about Brazils regulated gaming market
Lopes is acutely aware of the shifts happening in Brazils gaming industry. Before, many people did not play because the gaming market was not regulated, he says. Now, its regulated. Better. But we still have black market operators. Its not easy. He speaks like someone whos in the thick of itnot just from a players 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, its not all strategy and spreadsheets. Ask Lopes what he does when hes 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.
Theres something magnetic about his energy as he is completely himself, even when cameras roll.
And while his poker game is still evolving, theres little doubt about where this is going. Today I lose a little. Tomorrow maybe I win, he says, shrugging. Next SiGMA, maybe I will win more. His optimism is contagious.
Poker needs more people like Ronald Lopes. Not just because he plays well, or because hes building businesses. But because he reminds us that winning isnt only about the pot – its also about the people, the connections, the moments. He shows that character still has a place in an industry built on risk and that values still count.
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