Tauan De Oliveira Naves

Tauan De Oliveira Naves, a Brazilian professional poker player, has built a reputation as one of the most consistent performers in the South American poker scene. His career began with strong showings in domestic tournaments, particularly in the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP), where he accumulated multiple cashes and final-table appearances. These early results laid the foundation for his later success on the international stage, showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse fields and formats. Naves' breakthrough on the global stage came during the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas. In Event #76: $10,000 Mystery Bounty No-Limit Hold'em, he navigated a tough field to reach the final table, ultimately finishing in third place. This performance earned him his largest live tournament payout to date, pushing his career earnings to nearly $1.5 million at the time. Naves returned to the final day as the chip leader and maintained his position at the top for a significant portion of the play. However, with six players remaining, he lost a crucial pot holding 10♣10♥ against A♣A♠, leaving him with just ten big blinds. Despite the setback, he managed to secure a commendable third-place finish, further cementing his status as a top Brazilian player.

In addition to his WSOP success, Naves has demonstrated his prowess in mid-major circuits in the United States. He won the Main Event of the MSPT Venetian in Las Vegas, a prestigious stop on the Mid-States Poker Tour. The event featured a $1,100 buy-in and attracted 317 entries. Naves outlasted the field to claim the title and a prize of $60,675, while Yang Li finished as runner-up for $43,980. This victory was particularly notable because, Naves had never previously won a live tournament on U.S. soil, despite having several strong results in the country. The win highlighted his ability to close out events and adapt to the fast-paced American tournament environment.

Beyond his live tournament exploits, Naves has also made his mark in online poker. He has recorded significant scores in various major online tournaments, although specific details of these results are not as widely documented. His versatility across both live and online formats has contributed to his impressive career earnings, which currently stand at over $1.7 million. As of late 2025, Naves has accumulated 105 live cashes, with his latest cash being $1,623 on November 16, 2025. This consistent level of performance has kept him ranked among the top Brazilian players in the All Time Money List, where he has climbed significantly following his recent successes.

Naves is known for his flexible and adaptive playing style, often adjusting his strategy based on the tendencies of his opponents. He combines aggressive betting with sound decision-making, particularly when managing his stack in high-pressure situations. His calm demeanor at the tables has earned him the nickname "poker robot" from some opponents, a testament to his ability to remain composed under pressure. This mental fortitude was evident during his deep runs in major events, where he often maintained the chip lead for extended periods before ultimately securing titles or high finishes.

Naves continues to be an active presence on the tournament circuit, regularly competing in both domestic Brazilian events and international series. His recent results, including the WSOP 2024 final table and the MSPT Venetian victory, suggest that he is in the prime of his career. With career earnings surpassing $1.7 million and a growing list of accolades, Naves is poised to become one of the leading figures in Brazilian poker. His journey from the BSOP to the bright lights of Las Vegas serves as an inspiration to aspiring poker players in Brazil and beyond, demonstrating that dedication and skill can lead to success on the world stage.