A 17-year-old poker player in Brazil, Tiago Souza, is making huge headlines in the Southern Hemisphere after winning his third title in the country’s premier poker circuit. Over the weekend, Souza, competing at BSOP Summer in Costa Do Sauípe, won the 28-entry R$6K ($1,158) One-Day Deepstack tournament, taking home the top prize of R$50,000 ($9,650).
With the victory, Tiago Souza now eclipses $40,000 in career live tournament earnings. Despite having just seven recorded cashes, three of his cashes are outright wins, as well as a pair of semi-FTs.
Another trophy for the collection
The teenage Souza was fortunate to win the battle, going into the final table short but receiving an immediate triple up to get back in the game. Despite having talented players like Norway’s Aksel Fugelli and Mateus Pimenta from Minas Gerais, he was able to withstand a marathon session and come away with all the chips.
“I had a really good spot in the 9-handed stage. I almost tripled my chips.
“Up until the three-handed stage, it was pretty calm, and there was almost no action. The three-handed stage lasted a long time; it was very deep. The players were really very competent, so it wasn’t easy,”
How can a 17-year-old play poker?
Poker around the world is generally reserved for those who are at least 18 years old, though the age requirement can be 21 in many places, including Las Vegas. However, in Brazil, if you become emancipated, you can play poker when you turn 16.
There are no land-based casinos in the country, and in Brazil, poker is considered a game of skill. Therefore, poker players who are 16 or 17 can play if they can prove they are emancipated with proper documentation. They also must be playing in a venue that doesn’t provide slots, roulette, or any other form of gambling. The venue also must recognize poker as a skill game and accept emancipated players.
Coincidentally, 2025 was the first year that gambling became legal in Brazil. However, land-based casinos are still illegal, so Souza does not have to worry about missing out on casino-based poker just yet.
Tiago Souza’s road to success
Souza became emancipated to play the Brazilian Series of Poker circuit. The teenager is only focused on the short-term but is inspired by his idol, Yuri Dzivielevski, a five-time WSOP bracelet winner and number one on Brazil’s all-time money list.
“I started playing home games with the guys and soon after I joined Reg Life (Dzivielevski’s poker team),” he told Mundo Poker.
“I’ve been studying for about four years, and I also play. I got emancipated to come and play in the BSOP. Since then, I’ve won three championships.
“It’s difficult to talk (about the future). Ten years from now is a very long time, but I want to get as far as I can. I’m very inspired by Yuri, the guy is a monster of the game. For me, he’s my biggest inspiration.”
Tiago Souza’s poker resume
Tiago Souza has seven career documented cashes, all of which have come at BSOP-sanctioned events. So far, he has accumulated over $43,000 in live career tournament earnings.
He’ll be turning 18 this year, so he’ll be able to legally play anywhere he wants in Latin America very soon. The future is extremely bright for the young man.
| Date | Tournament | Location | Place | Prize (BRL) | Prize (USD) |
| Jan 2026 | R$6K One-Day Deepstack | BSOP Summer | 1st | R$60,000 | $9,650 |
| Nov 2025 | R$10K High Roller PKO | BSOP Millions | 14th | R$12,900 | $2,419 |
| Nov 2025 | R$10K High Roller | BSOP Millions | 9th | R$32,200 | $6,079 |
| Nov 2025 | R$1.5K Start Up | BSOP Millions | 41st | R$5,700 | $1,076 |
| Oct 2025 | R$1.5K Night Turbo | BSOP Foz do Iguacu | 13th | R$1,200 | $225 |
| Oct 2025 | R$500 Super 500 | BSOP Foz do Iguacu | 1st | R$17,000 | $3,187 |
| July 2025 | R$4K 8-Max | BSOP Winter Millions | 1st | R$116,000 | $20,848 |
