Maria Stern

Maria Stern is a Costa Rican professional poker player known for her expertise in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO). With a career focused on online tournaments, she has accumulated lifetime earnings of $413,659 and holds no WSOP bracelets. Stern is considered one of the top female PLO players and has contributed to coaching and commentary in the poker community.

Stern's poker career began at low-stakes online tables, where she methodically improved and moved up to high-stakes PLO events. She has multiple final-table appearances in major online tournaments, though specific titles and prize amounts are not fully publicly documented. Her consistent performance has earned her a reputation as a skilled PLO specialist.

Stern employs an aggressive and flexible approach, frequently using position to apply pressure through raises and re-raises. She selects a wide range of starting hands but demonstrates strong post-flop judgment, often making well-timed check-raises and bluffs. Her ability to read opponents and adapt to board textures is a key strength.

As a prominent female player in PLO, Stern has inspired many women to enter the game. She has worked as a coach and commentator, sharing insights on PLO strategy through training sites and social media. While her offline presence is low, her online achievements are widely respected in the poker community.

Aspiring players can learn from Stern's focus on a single game variant, her aggressive yet calculated style, and her emphasis on post-flop decision-making. She advocates for continuous study and bankroll management, demonstrating that deep knowledge of one format can lead to sustained success.