Josias Santos

Josias Santos has been living and playing poker in the United States for over 12 years. He began his live tournament career in Brazil, with his only two recorded Brazilian cashes coming from the BSOP Millions in 2015. Deciding to relocate to the US, he quickly became a fixture on the Florida poker scene, particularly at the Seminole Hard Rock venues in Hollywood and Tampa.

Santos holds the distinction of being the Brazilian player with the most in-the-money finishes (ITMs) in live tournaments. he has accumulated an impressive 351 cashes, placing him far ahead of his compatriots. The next closest Brazilian is Paulo Gini with 340 ITMs, followed by Marcelo Mesqueu (252) and others. This consistency over a long career highlights Santos' ability to navigate large fields and sustain deep runs in a variety of events.

Josias Santos's largest live cash came in 2018 when he finished as runner-up in the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, earning $169,966. More recently, in August 2025, he reached another podium at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO). In Event #55: $1,100 Deep Stack No-Limit Hold'em, he was part of a four-way deal that secured him $42,308 for third place. With over $2 million in total live tournament earnings, Santos continues to add to his impressive resume.

Santos is a regular participant in the Seminole Hard Rock tournament series, including the SHRPO and the Winter Poker Open. His deep runs are a common sight, and he often represents Brazil in the final tables. While he focuses primarily on live events in the US, his two Brazilian cashes from 2015 remain a small part of his overall profile.

By holding the record for most ITMs among Brazilian players, Josias Santos has set a benchmark for consistency and longevity. He is considered a role model for aspiring players who aim to build a sustainable career in live poker. His success in the competitive Florida market demonstrates the viability of a professional poker career based on steady results rather than a single massive score.

In August 2025, Santos reached the final table of Event #55 ($1,100 Deep Stack No-Limit Hold'em) at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open, which drew 348 entries. He entered a four-way deal as the third-largest stack, securing $42,308 for third place. The champion Levi Berger took $48,102 and the trophy, while runner-up Gregory Spinder earned $46,000, and fourth-place Jessica Dawley collected $40,415. This result highlights Santos' consistent ability to reach deep stages in large-field events, adding to his reputation as a regular contender in the Florida circuit.

Santos leads all Brazilian players with 351 lifetime ITMs, according to The Hendon Mob. Behind him, Paulo Gini holds 340 ITMs, followed by Marcelo Mesqueu (252), Rodrigo Garrido (243), Celso Sirtoli (223), Fernando Araújo (215), Ricardo Nakamura (200), Caio Hey (197), Rafael Reis (196), Felipe Mojave (185), and Gustavo Kamei (180). Santos and Gini are the only Brazilians in the global top 100 for most ITMs, underscoring their exceptional consistency. This detailed breakdown showcases the depth of Brazilian talent in live poker and Santos' position as the all-time leader.