There are poker stars whose entire charisma is embodied in the way they use 52 pieces of coated cardboard, not at all in their own person. Humberto Brenes, however, is known for his person as well as his playing, with a colorful wardrobe, two pairs of glasses worn concurrently, a visor - and a matching personality.
Born in 1951, Brenes began learning poker at age of 7 in his native Costa Rica, under the tutelage of his father. His gambling career actually began with baccarat, but, in his early 20s, he switched to playing poker with the tourists. When challenged to play against professionals, he accepted the challenge - and took 4th place in a tournament. Since then, he has acquired enough money finishes in tournaments to give him stardom. He has two World Series of Poker gold bracelets: the 1993 Omaha Pot Limit event, where he won $128,000, and the Limit Holdem event, also in that year, with a $149,000 prize. He took 2nd place in the 1995 WSOP's Limit Holdem event, 2nd place in the 1996 WSOP Seven-Card Stud, and 2nd place in the 1999 WSOP Limit Holdem. Also he finished 7th in the No Limit Holdem event at the 2006 WSOP. In all, he has more than 4 dozen money finishes in tournaments. The 2004 Money List of the Top 100, from The Hendon Mob database, lists him as tenth. But Brenes has more skills than poker, baccarat and clothes selection. He has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Costa Rica, and owns restaurants, a construction company and a Univision TV station. He attributes part of his success to his ability to remain calm (often by listening to music while playing) and to concentration. "Talent is something that you are born with", Brenes notes, "but concentration is something you must teach yourself."
