Ivan Luca

Ivan Luca hails from Punta Alta, Argentina, and began his poker journey online under the screen name "negriin." He built his bankroll through online play, gradually moving up stakes before transitioning to live tournaments. His early success online gave him a strong foundation in the mathematical and technical aspects of the game. He eventually relocated to London, England, to be closer to the European poker circuit.

Luca made history in 2015 by winning the $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, defeating a field of over 2,000 entries to take home $353,391 and his first gold bracelet. This victory made him the first player from Argentina to capture a WSOP bracelet, a milestone celebrated in his home country. He was just 23 years old at the time.

In 2023, Luca recorded his largest live cash to date by finishing 6th in the $100,000 Ultra High Roller at WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, earning $555,000. He also has a 5th-place finish in the 2015 WSOP $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em for $187,001. According to WSOP.com, he has accumulated over $2.3 million in WSOP online earnings, with 111 cashes, 8 final tables, and 1 bracelet.

Luca has consistently performed on the European Poker Tour (EPT) and PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA). In 2015, he finished 2nd in the EPT Malta €25,500 High Roller for €433,504. The following year, he placed 2nd in a $50,000 No-Limit Hold'em event at the PCA for $494,080.

One of the most memorable moments of his career came in March 2016 when he won the Eureka Poker Tour Rozvadov Main Event for €106,186. The tournament was notable because he defeated his girlfriend, Maria Lampropulos, heads-up after a 90-minute battle. The couple had made a deal, with Lampropulos earning €95,404. The final table included players from seven different nationalities, but Argentina dominated.

Luca remains active in online poker, particularly through WSOP.com and major platforms. As of 2025, his WSOP online statistics include 111 cashes, 8 final tables, and 1 bracelet. His best WSOP online cash came in September 2024 when he finished 31st in a $10,300 GGMillion$ High Rollers event for $70,967. He also cashed in the 2024 WSOP Online Main Event (91st for $34,413) and the $1,500 The Closer NLH (25th for $14,723). His online earnings on WSOP.com alone exceed $2.2 million.

Luca is known for an aggressive, fearless playing style. He applies constant pressure, especially in deep-stacked situations, and excels at reading opponents and identifying weaknesses. His online background gives him a strong grasp of game theory and mathematical probabilities. Observers describe him as calm and focused even in high-stakes pots, and he is capable of making creative plays that keep opponents off balance.

Luca resides in London and travels extensively for tournaments. He was in a relationship with fellow Argentine poker player Maria Lampropulos, with whom he shared a heads-up battle in the 2016 Eureka Rozvadov Main Event. He is an active social media user, often sharing updates from the tournament circuit. Luca is widely regarded as one of Argentina's all-time best poker players, sitting third on the country's all-time money list.

In March 2016, Luca won the Eureka Poker Tour Rozvadov Main Event for €106,186 after defeating his girlfriend, Maria Lampropulos, heads-up. The tournament attracted 682 entries, and the final table featured seven nationalities. Lampropulos earned €95,404 after a deal was made. The heads-up battle lasted 90 minutes, with Luca pulling ahead and sealing the victory with a river flush. This marked the first time a couple had faced off for a major title in such a high-profile setting.

As of 2025, Luca's total live tournament earnings exceed $7.46 million, ranking him 244th on the all-time money list and 3rd in Argentina. His best live cash remains $555,000 from the 2023 WSOP Paradise $100,000 Ultra High Roller. On WSOP.com, he has accumulated over $2.3 million in online earnings from 111 cashes, 8 final tables, and 1 bracelet. He is widely recognized as one of Argentina's most successful poker players.

Luca continued to perform well online in 2024. Highlights include a 31st-place finish in the $10,300 GGMillion$ High Rollers for $70,967, a 25th-place in the $1,500 The Closer NLH for $14,723, and a 91st-place in the $5,000 WSOP Online Main Event for $34,413. He also cashed in several other WSOP online events, demonstrating his sustained skill in the digital arena.