The Growth of partypoker in South America and the poker boom in Argentina
Richard Dubini signed with partypoker in the middle of the 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event and eventually finished in 12th place for $535,000, while his countryman Damian Salas got even further and finished in 7th place for $1,425,000. Just prior to that, Dubini had reached a final table in $ 1,500 No Limit Hold'em - Bounty (Event #50) before bowing out in 8th place.
Dubini is ranked within the top 10 in the all-time money list on Hendon Mob for Argentina and has over $1.5 million in live earnings. It turns out that both Argentinians, Dubini and Salas, are very good friends and were even sharing a room while running deep in the Main Event in Las Vegas.
“I signed (for partypoker) in the middle of the Main Event and that was amazing. Damian and I are big friends and we travel a lot, sometimes together and sometimes with other friends. We enjoyed all days of the Main Event, because we were sharing the room. We woke up, had breakfast, talked about poker and went to the tournament. And every day, we couldn't believe it. Down to 27 players, that was the best poker experience in my life.”
While both went so deep, they only played for one level at the same table. “Less than one level when we were 15 left, I busted on the same table as Damian. Before that we were always separate.” Being such close friends, playing against each other may have caused some dilemma. “Difficult? Yes for sure, because I really don't want to bust him, but we have to play. We prayed, we didn't want to have a cooler between us.”
Thanks to the results of Dubini and Salas, poker is booming in their home country in Argentina and in South America in general right now. “Poker in Latin America is growing up faster and people are more interested in poker because they saw us on TV. But partypoker is now doing a lot of tournaments in Latin America, the last one was in Punta Del Este and the players need this type of events with such a big guarantee, and people love poker because of it.”
However, because of his success, Dubini hasn't turned into a celebrity on the streets just yet. “Only people that know about poker recognize me and Damian. I am not famous.” In terms of success at the tables, the efforts of his sponsor are vital in bringing new players to the tables. “They (partypoker) are doing a lot of satellites and promotions. Someone can qualify online for a small amount and start into the poker world.”
Dubini entered twice without success, sharing a table with Adrian Mateos during Day 1c, while his best poker friend Salas made it through to Day 2 with an above-average stack. Whether or not there will be more glory for poker in Argentina during the festival here in Barcelona can be followed right here on PokerNews.