Voices of the SiGMA Poker Tour: Ronald Lopes, Brazil's poker natural
By any measure, Ronald Lopes is one of the most endearing characters to come out of the LATAM gaming scene. He’s not your typical hardened poker face. Far from it because Lopes brings charm, humour, and a refreshing lack of ego to the poker tables. He plays poker with heart and a grin that reflects his attitude of, “Let’s enjoy this ride.”
Award-winning Ronald Lopes is one of the stars paricipating at the SiGMA Poker Tour in São Paulo this week. A standout figure in Brazil’s iGaming and affiliate scene, Lopes arrives with the same sharp instinct and ambition that have recently earned him top industry accolades. He represents a masterclass in influence, strategic thinking, and economic empowerment. With a mission to turn 300 Brazilians into multimillionaires through the pay-for-performance model, his presence promises more than just poker.
We caught up with Lopes during the SiGMA Poker Tour in São Paulo, and what unfolded was less of a formal interview and more of a delightful conversation that one would have with an old friend. Although not entirely confident in his English, he spoke without hesitation and insisted on conducting the interview in English, eager to challenge himself. It’s impossible not to like him.
“I started poker when I was 16 years old,” he said proudly, before breaking into a smile. “In school, on PokerStars, in free tournaments and I also played with friends. I watched YouTube a lot.” It’s this mix of humility and tenacity that defines him. He doesn’t pretend to be a professional but make no mistake, he is on his way there.
Six years ago, Lopes was driving for Uber in his hometown in Brazil. Today, he’s the founder of Brazil’s first affiliate school, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and a rising poker name in the LATAM region. “I won best affiliate programme in LATAM, best affiliate 2025,” he says, proudly but without boasting.
Lopes, enthusiastic about Brazil’s regulated gaming market
Lopes is acutely aware of the shifts happening in Brazil’s gaming industry. “Before, many people did not play because the gaming market was not regulated,” he says. “Now, it’s regulated. Better. But we still have black market operators. It’s not easy.” He speaks like someone who’s in the thick of it—not just from a player’s perspective, but as a businessman shaping the future of iGaming in Brazil and beyond. His work spans multiple LATAM countries, running traffic and testing markets in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico.
Still, it’s not all strategy and spreadsheets. Ask Lopes what he does when he’s not working, and his eyes light up. “Poker. YouTube. And SiGMA,” he laughs. “SiGMA changed my life. I met the company that bought my company at a SiGMA event.”
There’s something magnetic about his energy as he is completely himself, even when cameras roll.
And while his poker game is still evolving, there’s little doubt about where this is going. “Today I lose a little. Tomorrow maybe I win,” he says, shrugging. “Next SiGMA, maybe I will win more.” His optimism is contagious.
Poker needs more people like Ronald Lopes. Not just because he plays well, or because he’s building businesses. But because he reminds us that winning isn’t only about the pot – it’s also about the people, the connections, the moments. He shows that character still has a place in an industry built on risk and that values still count.
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And don’t miss the next stop – SiGMA Poker Tour heads to Malta this September for more high-stakes excitement. See you at the tables!
