Sigma Phi Epsilon - Florida International University

page 3 sigma phi epsilon Luiz Duarte Ferreira '13 Finds Success in Poker Career President Daniel Alonso '16 dalon031@fiu.edu Vice President of Recruitment Andres Alonso '19 Vice President of Programming Alfredo Mojena '18 Vice President of Finance Matthew Sabates '18 Vice President of Member Development Jonathan Marrero '16 Vice President of Communication Alex Colon '17 Chaplain Mark Saavedra '17 L uiz Duarte Ferreira '13 has been enthralled with the game of poker for nearly eight years now. It quickly became his favorite hobby, as he fell in love with the strategic aspects of the game. However, he never would've imagined that a hobby would become his career. "I would read books and watch poker almost every day," Luiz says. "All I wanted was to beat my friends and become a better poker player." In 2014, he moved back to Brazil and was working full time— but still felt something missing from his life. He noticed more success in his game, and decided to dedicate all of his efforts to poker. His commitment was awarded at the end of 2014 with a second-place finish at the biggest tournament held in South America with winnings just shy of $300,000. "It was a true kickstart to my career and 2015, which was a truly remarkable year." Although his Florida Nu brothers didn't share his love for poker, he is very thankful for the brotherhood. His high school friend, Fernando Pinherio '12, told him about how great Sigma Phi Epsilon was, and how much value the fraternity could add to his life. Fernando was undoubtedly correct. "My Florida Nu brothers were very important in the process of building who I am today," Luiz says. "I carry a lot of SigEp teachings that helped me and continue to help me every day while I keep growing as a poker player and as a person." His path to success didn't happen overnight, and he encourages others to be prepared whenever an opportunity arises. "My poker career has been a true ride and I have been enjoying every bit of it with the same passion," Luiz says. He lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is planning a wedding. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and playing soccer. Luiz keeps in contact with fraternity brothers whenever possible. E-mail: luizfilho@dicina.com.br LUIZ'S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS • Second place at BSOP Millions in 2014. • Second place in the most respected weekly tournament on pokerstars.net. • Won the CPH High Roller twice in the same year—a feat that no one had ever done before. He did it within a two-month time frame. • Won his first CPH Pot Limit Omaha. This was an accomplishment for him, because he was used to playing a two- card game (Texas Hold'em) rather than a four-card game. • Played in the world championships in the Bahamas, Vegas, and Barcelona. • Finished 2015 as Campeao Paulista, which is player of the year for CPH. Steven Clark '18, Andres Corrales '16, Daniel Alonso '16, Alex Colon '17, and Gavin Winston '17 at a Florida Nu alumni happy hour event. Alumnus Grateful for Opportunities, Including Those at Florida Nu ExEcutivE Board

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