Gabriel Andrade

Gabriel Andrade was born in Ecuador and later relocated to the United States, eventually settling in Houston, Texas. He first encountered poker during the Moneymaker boom in 2003, when he saw footage of the World Series of Poker and was immediately drawn to the game. At the time, he was a college student delivering pizzas to make ends meet, earning roughly $100 a day. He walked into a pool hall where a group of 12 players were dealing cards in a $50 buy-in winner-take-all game. Andrade joined and won $550, describing it as "$550 for one junkie decision"—a moment that hooked him for life.

Andrade began playing low-stakes cash games at $1/$2 and $2/$5, gradually improving his skills. He eventually got involved in a private game where he was one of the stronger players, even helping to run it. In 2007, he decided to turn professional, but the transition was difficult. "When you have the rent in the middle, poker is a different sport," he later recalled. By 2008, he had moved up to higher-stakes cash games, often facing wealthy recreational players. Despite success, he struggled with inconsistent backing until a pivotal moment in 2010 when businessman Billy Perkins became his backer. Perkins provided him with a substantial bankroll, allowing Andrade to play freely in a high-stakes game. After the game moved locations, Perkins ended the backing arrangement, and Andrade kept all future profits, rapidly growing his bankroll.

Andrade had been a solid grinder for over a decade, but his true breakthrough came in December 2025 at WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas. He entered the $250,000 Triton Invitational, a prestigious no-limit hold'em event with a buy-in of $262,500 after fees. Against a field of world-class professionals and wealthy entrepreneurs, Andrade played a masterful tournament, eventually finishing as the runner-up. The second-place prize was a staggering $5,240,000—his largest live cash by a wide margin and more than half of his lifetime earnings. The run was broadcast on the Triton Poker livestream, where his energetic and fun-loving personality won over viewers. In a post-tournament interview, he reflected on his journey from delivering pizzas to competing at the highest level.

Beyond the Triton result, Andrade has a long list of cashes in major series. At the World Series of Poker, he has 109 cashes with total WSOP earnings exceeding $7 million. While he has yet to win a WSOP bracelet, he has made six final tables. His best WSOP cash prior to 2025 was a runner-up in the $25,000 Mixed PLO/NLH High Roller in 2025 for $84,470, and he cashed in multiple events during the 2026 WSOP including a 21st-place finish in a $5,000 Six-Handed event for $46,385. In 2025, he also won the $2,200 High Roller at the PokerStars NAPT in Las Vegas for $85,180. He has cashed in WSOP Circuit events, including a 21st-place finish in the $1,700 Main Event at Horseshoe Hammond in 2024 for $6,675, and deep runs in the MSPT and other regional tours.

Andrade is widely regarded for his versatility, excelling in both No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha. His PLO experience gives him a strong understanding of variance and complex equity calculations, which he applies to his hold'em game. He is described as having a "quiet intensity" at the table, focusing on technical execution rather than theatrics. His style is solid and steady, grounded in fundamentals, but he is also capable of applying pressure in high-leverage situations. He is particularly effective in deep-stack play and late-stage tournament action, where his patience and emotional control become major assets. Andrade credits much of his growth to diligent study and adapting to an evolving game.

Andrade is considered one of the new generation of top-tier American players, representing the growing influence of Latin American-born pros in the global poker scene. His story—from pool hall games to a $5.2 million score—resonates with many aspiring players. He remains active on the live circuit, frequently appearing in high-roller events and WSOP series. As of early 2026, he continues to add to his resume, with cashes in the 2026 WSOP and WSOP Circuit. With his breakthrough result, Andrade has cemented his status as a force in high-stakes poker, and many expect him to contend for a Triton title or WSOP bracelet in the near future.