Poker player

Chema Felices

Spain

Chema Felices is a Spanish professional poker player from Zaragoza, known for his loose-aggressive style and consistent live tournament success. He turned from a taxi driver into a champion, winning the CEP Badajoz 2009 and the CNP770 Alicante, among other titles.

Career earnings: $ 59,7800 views

Early Career

José María "Chema" Felices, a native of Zaragoza, started his poker journey after a friend introduced him to Texas Hold'em at Casino de Tarragona. He entered his first tournament and won, sparking a passion that soon took over his life as a taxi driver. Chema immersed himself in poker literature and live games, preferring the felt over online play (though he occasionally used the nickname "Chemator" on Eurosuperpoker).

Major Tournament Successes

CEP Badajoz 2009

In 2009, Chema claimed the third stage of the Campeonato de España de Poker (CEP) at Gran Casino Extremadura in Badajoz, outlasting 99 players over 20+ hours to win €19,958. This victory was particularly meaningful as it ended a personal drought while his girlfriend, fellow player Silvia Gil, had recently won two tournaments.

II Valencia Poker Open (2009)

A month earlier, Chema won the II Valencia Poker Open at Casino Monte Picayo, a €300 buy-in event with 54 entrants. He took home €12,300, defeating Kiko Lacasa in the final hand (A♠J♣ vs. K♣7♥ on a board A♦10♠9♦K♦5♦). This win contributed to a stretch where Chema earned over €60,000 in just a few months.

CNP770 Alicante

Chema later conquered the Circuito Nacional de Poker (CNP770) at Casino Mediterráneo de Alicante. The main event drew 306 players (€550 buy-in). After a deal at the final table, Chema won the tournament heads-up in a single hand: his 8♠8♥ held against Xavi Riera's A♥K♠ on a board 2♣2♦6♣Q♣9♦, securing the official first prize of €19,770.

He also posted strong results in monthly tournaments at Villajoyosa and Montepicayo.

Playing Style

Chema describes himself as a loose-aggressive player. He often applies pressure with raises and re-raises, especially at final tables. He credits three players—Kiko Lacasa, Miguel Fernández, and Bruno Ortuño—for teaching him invaluable poker lessons that led to his success.

Personal Life

Chema's partner, Silvia Gil, is also a poker player. He has worked as a taxi driver and continues to balance his professional poker career with offline pursuits. His nickname "Chema" is widely used in the Spanish poker community.

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