Francisco “Tomatee” Benitez

Francisco Benitez, who goes by the alias Tomatee, is a professional poker player from Uruguay. He has achieved the title of Double EPT Champion and is a regular participant in high-stakes online poker games. Widely recognized as one of the top players from South America in recent times, he currently holds first position on the Uruguay All Time Money List. Benitez has accumulated a total of $2.8 million in live earnings, with his highest single cash prize being $759.4K. Additionally, he proudly represents 4poker as an ambassador and is an integral part of the team pro.

On the virtual poker tables, Benitez goes by the screen names Tomatee on PokerStars, Vapacooler on GGPoker, and Papo1961 on ACR Poker. His lifetime earnings total an impressive $15.7 million.

Francisco Benitez: Early Life

Francisco Benitez delved into the intricacies of the game when he was a mere 15 years old. Remarkably, by the time he reached the age of 18, he had already honed his skills to a professional level. Despite his proficiency in live tournaments around the globe, Benitez is predominantly recognized for his prowess online.

Benitez’s initiation into the world of poker traces back to his older friends who introduced him to the game while engaging in Magic the Gathering sessions. Initially, he engaged in poker games for a few dollars on a monthly basis. However, the pivotal moment in his poker journey occurred when he visited a casino for the first time. Armed with $600 saved up for the occasion, he achieved a favorable outcome. It was at this juncture that Francisco made the resolute decision to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to poker, recognizing its logical parallels with Magic, a game in which he already excelled.

Notably, a recent encounter in a Brazilian bar unveiled another facet of Benitez’s connection with poker. Even after a day of live tournament play, he found himself energetically providing a walkthrough of the 4Poker site to fellow players. 

Francisco Benitez: Poker Career

His journey commenced in January 2012 at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in Paradise Island, where he made his initial foray into live tournaments, participating in the $1,000 + $100 No Limit Hold’em event. His debut saw him claim a respectable 10th place finish, netting him $4,950.

Fast forward to August 2021, Benitez demonstrated his prowess in the virtual arena, securing an impressive 2nd place and cash prize of $759,419 in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Super MILLION$ High Roller ONLINE event during the World Series of Poker ONLINE at GGPoker.

The pinnacle of Benitez’s poker prowess came in August 2022 during the European Poker Tour in Barcelona. In a spectacular display, he clinched top spot in the €5,200 No Limit Hold’em event, walking away with $116,263. Following this triumph, he continued to dominate, securing 1st place in the €25,000 No Limit Hold’em amassing $350,647 in winnings. Benitez’s consistent success was further evident with a 4th place finish and a cash prize of $197,272 in another €25,000 No Limit Hold’em event, followed by a 2nd place finish, earning him $432,687.

Francisco’s Continued Winning Streak in Live Tournaments

The momentum carried into October 2023 at the Triton Super High Roller Series in Monte Carlo, where Benitez secured 9th place and $288,000 in the $100,000 + $6,000 No Limit Hold’em event. Subsequent events in the series saw him achieve 24th place with a cash prize of $33,000 and an 18th place finish, adding $55,400 to his growing winnings in the $25,000 + $1,650 No Limit Hold’em event.

Benitez’s most recent live tournament engagements in November 2023 at the World Series of Poker Europe in Rozvadov saw him secure 34th place and a cash prize of $37,900 in the €10,000 + €350 No Limit Hold’em event. 

Francisco Benitez on Online Poker

Francisco Benitez is known by the screen names Tomatee on PokerStars, Vapacooler on GGPoker, and Papo1961 on ACR Poker. With a lifetime total of cashes amounting to an impressive $15.7 million his prowess is evident. One of the defining moments in his online poker journey unfolded during the finale of the #11: $10,000 Super MILLION$ High Roller NLH event. In a riveting heads-up battle against Erik Seidel, the final cards determined Seidel as the victor, claiming $982,755.80. Benitez, while settling for second place, earned a substantial consolation prize of $763,235.07.  

Conclusion

In the illustrious realm of poker, Francisco Benitez stands as a true titan, his accomplishments etched in the annals of the game’s history. With the prestigious title of Double EPT Champion adorning his resume and the crowning glory of leading the Uruguay All Time Money List, Benitez has consistently demonstrated his poker prowess. His lifetime online earnings of $15.7 million only serve to underscore the magnitude of his skill and strategic acumen.

From his inaugural live tournament appearance at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure to the pinnacle of his success at the European Poker Tour in Barcelona, Benitez has exhibited unwavering excellence. Notably, his triumphs in the €5,200 and €25,000 No Limit Hold’em events in Barcelona showcased not only his mastery of the game but also his ability to navigate high-stakes competition with finesse. A standout performance at the Triton Super High Roller Series in Monte Carlo further solidified his status, exemplifying his capacity to thrive in the most challenging of environments. As the curtains fall on his most recent engagements at the World Series of Poker Europe in Rozvadov, where he secured 34th place and a substantial cash prize, Francisco Benitez’s poker journey continues to unfold with an awe-inspiring blend of skill, determination, and an unyielding passion for the game.