Thiago Crema

Born in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Thiago Crema started his strategic journey in chess before transitioning to poker at age 18. Introduced to online poker by chess Grandmaster Krikor Sevag Mekhitarian alongside his friend Rafael Moraes, Crema quickly adapted to the game. He lived in the famous "Poker Vila" project, where he and other players dedicated months solely to improving their skills. After the project ended, he turned professional and later became a partner and instructor at 4Bet Poker Team, one of Brazil's oldest and largest poker teams.

Playing under the alias 'KKremate' on PokerStars, Crema has amassed over $4.5 million in online tournament winnings. His first major breakthrough came in September 2014 when he finished second in WCOOP Event #45 (($2,100) NLH), earning $356,965. He also won the Sunday 500 and Sunday Rebuy during his early career. In 2021, he captured his first WSOP bracelet in Event #4: $800 NL Hold'em Double Chance of the WSOP Online series, taking home $161,637. Beyond PokerStars, he plays as 'IneedWasabi' on online poker and 'eeeoooshhh' on online poker.

Crema has made his mark in live events, particularly in WSOP Circuit stops in Brazil. In 2017, he won the R$8,000 High Roller at the WSOP Circuit Bienal Pavilion for $236,600. The following year, he finished second in the same event (R$8,000 High Roller) at the WSOP Circuit Belmond Copacabana Palace, earning $241,000. He also has a fourth-place finish in Event #48: $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em at the 2016 WSOP in Las Vegas for $162,924. In total, his WSOP-related live cashes exceed $640,000. More recently, he won the 1-Day High Roller at BSOP São Paulo in 2025.

Known for an aggressive, pressure-heavy style, Crema combines positional awareness with mathematical precision. His chess background and statistical knowledge inform his decision-making, emphasizing discipline and selectivity. "If you enter a tournament to play, you have to give your best, you have to be special," he said after his 2025 BSOP victory. He balances aggression with sound risk management, avoiding unnecessary gambles.

Outside poker, Crema enjoys tennis and has diverse business interests. He once lost a tennis bet to Rafael Moraes and, as a forfeit, wore a Supergirl costume at the Super High Roller of BSOP Millions, showcasing his sportsmanship and humor.

Thiago Crema is widely regarded as one of Brazil's top online players, inspiring a generation with his consistent high-stakes success and strategic depth. His journey from chess prodigy to WSOP bracelet winner exemplifies the fusion of analytical skill and competitive drive.