AP Louis Garza

AP Louis Garza, also known as Lou Garza, is an American poker player from Texas. His first recorded live cash came in July 2016, when he cashed in a Rio Daily Deepstacks tournament during the World Series of Poker. Over the next few years, Garza steadily built his tournament résumé, primarily playing in live events across the United States. His early results included smaller cashes in WSOP and regional events, laying the foundation for his breakout performances.

Garza's biggest career achievement came in 2023 at the World Series of Poker. He won Event #28: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship at Horseshoe Las Vegas, earning $1,309,232 and his first WSOP gold bracelet. The victory was particularly memorable as Garza proposed to his girlfriend during the celebration on the feature table. This seven-figure score catapulted him into the spotlight and significantly boosted his lifetime earnings.

Garza proved his success was no fluke by winning a second WSOP bracelet in 2025. He triumphed in Event #14: $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em / Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller, topping a 245-entrant field to collect $1,302,233. The final table was broadcast on PokerGO, with Garza defeating Ben Lamb heads-up to clinch the title. This victory moved him to 14th on the PGT leaderboard and brought his live tournament earnings to over $5.2 million according to The Hendon Mob.

Beyond the WSOP, Garza has achieved several other significant results. In August 2021, he finished second in the $5,250 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open in Hollywood, Florida, earning a then-career-best $674,285. A month later, he cashed for $550,200 across four PGT Poker Masters tournaments. As of June 2026, Garza has recorded 73 live cashes and total lifetime earnings of $5,797,582, with his latest cash of $50,447 occurring on June 15, 2026.

Garza is known for a solid, technically sound playing style that adapts well to both No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha. He employs a balanced approach, mixing aggressive betting with careful hand selection. In high-pressure situations, he demonstrates strong emotional control, as evidenced by his memorable heads-up comeback in the 2025 WSOP event. His success across different variants underscores his versatility and deep understanding of the game.

Garza maintains a relatively low-key public profile, preferring to focus on his game rather than social media. He is originally from Texas and often plays in the vibrant poker scene of Las Vegas. His on-stage proposal after his first WSOP win revealed a personal side, showing his commitment to family. He continues to compete actively in major tournaments worldwide.

Garza's 2023 WSOP victory was not just a career milestone but also a deeply personal moment. After winning the Pot-Limit Omaha Championship, he proposed to his girlfriend on the feature table, with PokerGO cameras capturing the emotional scene. The proposal went viral across poker media and social platforms, earning Garza widespread recognition beyond his tournament results. The story was covered by outlets such as PokerNews and the World Series of Poker's official channels, adding a human-interest angle to his professional success.

During the 2025 WSOP Event #14, Garza faced a significant chip deficit heads-up against Ben Lamb. However, he mounted a remarkable comeback, using a combination of aggressive play and strategic adjustments to regain the lead. The final hand saw Lamb's aces and second pair fall to Garza's wrap draw, sealing the victory. This heads-up performance was highlighted on PokerGO's broadcast and demonstrated Garza's resilience in high-pressure situations.

Garza remains active on the live tournament circuit, with several cashes in 2026. His most recent cash as of June 15, 2026, was $50,447, adding to his lifetime total of $5,797,582. He continues to participate in WSOP events and PGT tournaments, consistently posting results that keep him among the notable players in the poker community.