Gilbert Cruz

Gilbert Cruz is a Dominican Republic-born poker player who has built a reputation primarily through online play, though his live tournament earnings exceed $111,000. His breakout moment came in the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, where he navigated a field of 8,663 entrants to reach the latter stages and participate in one of the most talked-about hands of the tournament.

Cruz's live tournament results are modest but include a notable cash in the WSOP Main Event. his total live earnings stand at $111,423, with a best cash of $86,000. His Global Poker Index ranking is 130th in the Dominican Republic.

On Day 6 of the 2022 WSOP Main Event, with blinds at 100,000, Haim Or Krief raised to 220,000 holding pocket queens. Gilbert Cruz, holding pocket aces, three-bet to 540,000. Stanley Lee then moved all-in for 1.84 million with pocket jacks. Both Or Krief and Cruz called. The flop came 5♥8♥7♥, giving Or Krief a flush draw with the Q♥. The turn was 10♥, and the river was A♥, giving Cruz the pot with aces full of hearts. Or Krief eventually finished 60th, while Cruz's finish is not explicitly stated but the hand propelled him deep into the money.

While specific details about Cruz's playing style are scarce, his deep run in the WSOP Main Event and his online presence suggest a solid understanding of tournament strategy. He is known for his patience and ability to capitalize on premium hands, as demonstrated in the 2022 WSOP hand where he successfully trapped opponents with aces.

Gilbert Cruz represents the growing poker community in the Dominican Republic. His performance in the 2022 WSOP Main Event brought attention to his country's presence on the global poker stage, and he continues to be a player to watch in both online and live events.