Luis Velador

Luis Velador (full name José-Luis Velador) was born in Jalisco, Mexico, later moved to the United States, and currently resides in Corona, California. His poker career began with live cash games before transitioning to tournaments. As a Mexican-American, he brought honor to the Latin American poker community on the international stage.

Velador has won two WSOP gold bracelets:

• 2008 WSOP: Defeated Chris Signore in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event, winning the championship and $574,734.
• 2010 WSOP: Triumphed over David Chiu heads-up in the $2,500 Pot-Limit Hold'em/Omaha mixed event, earning his second gold bracelet and $260,552.

As of 2018, he recorded 3 final tables and 24 in-the-money finishes at the WSOP. At the 2023 WSOP, he finished in the top three of the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship, winning $211,715. At the 2024 WSOP, he placed 8th in the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship, earning $54,499.

Velador has notably performed well in the WSOP Main Event (No-Limit Hold'em), with his best result being a 10th-place finish in 2014—one of the best results ever for a Mexican player in that event. His deep run in the Main Event demonstrated strong patience and strategic execution.

On the World Poker Tour (WPT), Velador has 5 cashes totaling $168,618. His best result was an 11th-place finish in the 2010-2011 WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic, earning $42,231. He also placed 19th ($25,000) in the 2008-2009 WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star and 46th ($22,560) in the 2013-2014 WPT L.A. Poker Classic.

his total live tournament earnings amount to $2,578,665, ranking him third on the all-time money list for Mexican players. His single largest cash remains the $574,734 from the 2008 WSOP gold bracelet event.

Although Velador maintains a low public profile, his tournament results suggest a style built on patience and discipline. He excels at using position and reading opponents in large tournaments, avoiding unnecessary risks. Especially in mixed games (e.g., Omaha Hi-Lo, H.O.R.S.E.), he demonstrates comprehensive technical skill. His emotional control is outstanding, allowing him to stay focused during long sessions.

As an iconic figure in Mexican poker, Velador has inspired many Latin American players to pursue their poker dreams. He is low-key and pragmatic, focusing on the game itself—a model of a technical player. His WSOP gold bracelet achievements and Main Event final table appearances have cemented his place in poker history.