Peter Costa

Peter Costa was born on 27 January 1956 in Cyprus to Greek Cypriot parents. He later became a British citizen and currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Before his poker career, Costa established himself as a formidable player in the United Kingdom's poker scene. He earned the nickname 'The Silver Fox' (also shared by fellow pro Mel Judah) for his silver hair and cunning play, though he is more commonly called 'The Poet' for his articulate table talk.

Costa gained widespread recognition by winning the sixth series of the popular television show Late Night Poker. In the final, he defeated Austria's Jin Cai Lin to claim the £60,000 first prize. This victory cemented his reputation as a top-tier tournament player and helped popularize poker in the UK.

In 2003, Costa won the main event of the Crown Australian Poker Championship (Aussie Millions), one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, for a top prize. He also held the record for the largest limit hold'em tournament field at the time. Costa was nominated for European Poker Player of the Year in both 2002 and 2003, reflecting his consistent high-level results.

Costa has cashed 11 times at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), including four final-table appearances. While his exact WSOP final-table events are not detailed, his deep runs have contributed significantly to his career earnings. His largest recorded cash to date is $221,862. As of 2025, his total live tournament winnings exceed $2,045,873, placing him among the top Cypriot-earning players.

Costa is known for a balanced, adaptable style that mixes aggression with patience. He excels in limit hold'em, but has shown skill across various formats. His nickname 'The Poet' stems from his witty and philosophical commentary at the table, while 'The Silver Fox' highlights his mature, experienced demeanor. Analysts often note his ability to read opponents and capitalize on their mistakes.

Outside poker, Costa is a fan of the movie Groundhog Day and actor James Stewart. His niece, Maria Demetriou, is also a poker player with several notable results. Costa remains active in the poker community, occasionally appearing at major tournaments and sharing his insights.

Costa has cashed five times on the World Poker Tour (WPT), though he has never reached a final table. His best WPT result remains unspecified, but his consistent money finishes demonstrate his skill across different tournament circuits.

Costa has ventured into online poker, cashing in the WSOP Online Bracelet Event #15, a PKO (Progressive Knockout) tournament. This foray into digital formats reflects his adaptability to the evolving poker landscape.

As of 2025, Costa's total live tournament winnings stand at $2,045,873, with a best cash of $221,862. He is currently ranked 1,609th on the all-time money list, making him one of the highest-earning Cypriot players in poker history.