World Poker Tour

Jose Rosenkrantz “Costa Rican Madman“

Hometown
Costa Rica

Total Winnings
$217,941

Jose Rosenkrantz plays tournament poker around the world, and is considered to be one of the best come-from-behind players in the game. Jose loves the psychological aspects of poker. Often called the "Costa Rican Madman," Jose is a Central American standout at two tables- the pool table and the poker table. He says he carried over to his poker game the concentration and discipline that made him Costa Rican national billiards champion. And has it paid off!

At the age of 15 Jose learned to play poker for recreation. He continued to play over the years. As an adult Jose owned a ladies dress manufacturing company. When he traveled for business, Jose delved into playing in international tournaments.

It wasn't until 1985 that he started a local poker club in San Jose, Costa Rica with now professional player, Humberto Brenes. On a trip to Las Vegas with Humberto they were introduced to the game of Texas Hold-em. The two friends went home to teach their club mates, a group now that has grown to more than 80 players.

In the first year of the World Poker Tour, Jose burst onto the scene winning the Costa Rica Classic. Twelve months later he again played strong and clinched a second place finish at the WPT Battle of Champions.