World Poker Tour

Eric Brenes “Liga26“

Birthplace
Costa Rica

Birthday
March 26

Total Winnings
$1,000,000

Eric Brenes, along with older brother Humberto and younger brother Alex, was born in Costa Rica to a family of educated entrepreneurs and philanthropists. He was happy to spend much of his life playing a significant role in the various family businesses and living on his farm. Much of his free time was spend playing poker with family and friends, quietly taking notes from his brothers as they climbed the ladder of poker success.

At times, Eric traveled with his brothers to the United States for tournaments but rarely played. In 1997, he cashed in a small Las Vegas tournament but didn't start accumulating the wins until 1999 in Costa Rica. Playing in various events at the Costa Rica Classic, he claimed several victories in the years to come, proving that he could play as well as support his brothers in their poker endeavors. They encouraged Eric to play more in the U.S., as the tournaments were lucrative and the television exposure would be good.

That is what he did. In September of 2004, Eric tried his luck at a World Poker Tour event - the Ultimate Bet Poker Classic no-limit hold'em tournament. When all was said and done, in his own subdued fashion and with brothers waving the Costa Rican flag in the audience, he won the tournament, a million dollars, and the respect of poker players around the world. Though he is usually content to show up at tournaments to support his brothers and spend most of his time on his farm, he has proven that he can stand with the best - most notably, his Brenes brothers.