Angel Alonso Rodriguez

Angel Alonso Rodriguez was born in Peru and moved to the United States at age 20 to play tennis at Butler University. He now resides in the Tampa Bay area with his wife Maribeth and young son Max. His poker journey began nearly two decades ago at the old O'Shea's casino on the Las Vegas Strip, where he once fearfully folded pocket kings in a $45 daily tournament.

Rodriguez captured his first World Series of Poker bracelet in the 2026 $5,000 Seniors High Roller event. The victory came with a massive $673,011 first prize, far surpassing his previous best live cash of just over $47,000. He defeated Mariman Yaghmai heads-up after a king on the river gave him a winning pair, sending his rail of longtime friends into jubilation.

This win made him the third Peruvian to earn a WSOP bracelet, joining Diego Ventura (2023) and Ewald Mahr Olivera (2022). Rodriguez proudly displayed the Peruvian flag at the final table and emphasized his enduring connection to his home country.

Rodriguez attributes his success to building respect and friendships over 19 years in poker. He values maintaining a positive table presence whether winning or losing, and believes that accumulating a circle of support has been crucial to his journey. His approach combines patience (evidenced by his early fold of kings) with the ability to seize decisive moments.

Rodriguez dedicates his winnings to his family, particularly his young son Max, whom he plans to treat to new Toy Story merchandise. The bracelet itself, which he initially hesitated to look at, he described as "more beautiful than I thought." His story underscores that poker success can come at any stage, with late-career breakthroughs fueled by experience and community.