Carlos Leiva

Carlos Leiva's first recorded live cash came in September 2014, and he scored his first victory in April 2015 in his native Argentina, winning AR$8,000 No-Limit Hold'em for $103,491. However, after December 2015, he took a long hiatus from live tournaments, not appearing on the results again until June 2022.

Leiva made a strong return at the 2022 World Series of Poker, cashing in the $10,000 Short Deck event (11th place for $23,862) and finishing 191st in the $10,000 Main Event for $53,900. In July 2023, he again cashed in the WSOP Main Event, placing 337th for $44,700.

His biggest career score came in December 2023 at the Enjoy Poker Tour in Uruguay, where he won a $2,750 No-Limit Hold'em event for $440,000. In May 2025, he finished second in the $5,550 NLHE Super High Roller on the same tour, earning $100,905.

At the 2025 World Series of Poker, Leiva decided on a whim – with encouragement from his fellow Argentines – to enter Event #42: $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed). Despite being a No-Limit Hold'em specialist, he navigated a field of 1,932 entries and entered the final day as chip leader. He never relinquished the lead, defeating Hooman Nikzad heads-up to win his first WSOP bracelet and $237,852. He later said (translated): “I feel good, of course, I feel good. I’m surprised still. I’m so happy to be here with my friends who supported me on the rail.”

Leiva is primarily a No-Limit Hold'em player but proved his versatility by winning a PLO bracelet. His comeback after a seven-year hiatus demonstrates resilience. In the Argentine poker community, he is considered a pioneer and a trailblazer, having been one of the first to achieve international success. His deep runs at the WSOP have inspired a new generation of players from his country, and his victory was celebrated by a tight-knit group of Argentine supporters on the rail.

Carlos Leiva has total live earnings of $791,335. His WSOP earnings alone exceed $327,000 across multiple cashes.