Humberto Brenes

Humberto Brenes, known as “The Shark,” is a Costa Rican professional poker player, recognized for his colorful tracksuits and entertaining table antics, including using a toy shark as a card protector. Born on May 8th, 1951, in San Jose, Costa Rica, he now resides in Miami Lakes, Florida. Brenes has over $6.1 million in live tournament earnings, including two WSOP bracelets won at the 24th WSOP in May 1993 in Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha. 

His best live cash of $923,475 came after he finished as a runner-up at the Five-Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas in December 2004. He ranks 1st on the Costa Rica All-Time Money List, and both of his brothers, Alex and Eric Brenes, have won WPT titles. Brenes was a former PokerStars Team Pro from March 2006 until his contract ended in July 2014, competing under the screen name “HumbertoB.”

Humberto Brenes: Early Life

Humberto Brenes was born on May 8th, 1951, in San Jose, Costa Rica. At seven, he began learning to play cards by observing his father gamble socially with friends. He later received his primary and secondary education at Colegio La Salle. Brenes attended the University of Costa Rica, earning a degree in industrial engineering. 

Over the years, he has owned and partnered in various ventures, including restaurants, sodas, nuts, casinos, hotels, and television channels, significantly contributing to the country’s development and job creation. For approximately 35 years, he also owns Nueces Industriales, a company dedicated to the import, processing, and marketing of nuts and seeds, as well as a network of cafes called El Tostador in downtown San Jose. 

Today, Brenes is a successful businessman, married, and the father of four children: Patricia Underwood, José Humberto, Roberto, and Jessica, successfully balancing his family life with his passion for poker.

Humberto Brenes: Live Tournament Participation

Humberto Brenes recorded his first live cash in January 1987. He participated in a $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em event at the America’s Cup of Poker in Las Vegas. Brenes finished in 4th place, earning $2,900.

He secured his first WSOP bracelet on May 5th, 1993. Brenes competed in a $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha event at the 24th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished 1st, winning $128,000.

The following day, on May 6th, 1993, he captured his second WSOP bracelet. He played in a $2,500 Limit Hold’em event at the same WSOP. Brenes finished 1st and won $149,000.

In January 2002, Brenes triumphed in a $10,000 No-Limit Texas Hold’em Championship. It occurred during the Third Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica. He finished 1st and took home $502,460.

Then, in November 2004, he took part in a $10,000 + $200 No-Limit Hold’em Final Day. It happened at the 2004 World Poker Finals in Mashantucket. Brenes took 3rd place and cashed for $636,930.

Later that year, in December 2004, he achieved his best live cash. Brenes competed in a $15,000 + $300 World Poker Tour Championship No-Limit Hold’em event. It took place at the Five-Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas. He finished as a runner-up and secured $923,475 in prize money.

Most recently, in June 2023, Brenes participated in a $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super Seniors Bracelet Event at the 54th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished in 434th place and cashed for $1,600.

Conclusion

Humberto Brenes, “The Shark,” has made a lasting impression in poker with his colorful personality and over $6.1 million in earnings, including two WSOP bracelets. From a young card player in Costa Rica to a poker legend, he’s balanced his love for the game with a successful business career and a close-knit family life.