The goal is to triple revenue by 2026, with a strategy based on digital content monetization, the launch of new cash game verticals, and the expansion of the sponsor base. In the coming months, the organization is also targeting partnerships with fintechs, media companies, tourism and lifestyle brands.
“The BSOP has the potential to lead competitive entertainment in Latin America. We will grow responsibly, without compromising the credibility built over the past 19 years, and broaden poker’s reach by taking the circuit to new audiences, formats, and experiences,” says Moraes.
“Our goal is to position the BSOP not only as a major sporting event, but as a structured business with real impact on the economy, tourism, and value generation for brands and partners,” the executive adds.
Recognized as the “Formula 1 of Poker,” the BSOP is currently undergoing a key moment of consolidation and growth.
The official appointment of Rafael as CEO comes after a series of significant milestones for the brand, such as the historic win at the Global Poker Awards—considered the “Oscars of Poker”—and the signing of the largest sponsorship deal in the circuit’s history, with VBET joining as master sponsor.
Although the CEO announcement has just been made public, Moraes has been leading operations since March 2024. During this period, he spearheaded the creation of BSOP ONE, an all-inclusive experience for selected guests in five-star hotels; launched the BSOP Poker Show, a monthly streaming program produced in-house; and increased the number of high buy-in tournaments (above R$10,000 / US$ 1,800), attracting international players and new brands to the circuit.
The results are already showing. In 2024 alone, the BSOP awarded R$200 million (US$36m) in prizes, making it the third sports competition in Brazil in terms of total prize money—behind only the Brazilian Football Championship and the Copa do Brasil.
The circuit welcomed over 30,000 players from 50 countries and generated around R$120 million (US$21.5m) in tourism revenue, considering accommodation, transportation, food, and services in host cities.
Despite the change in control, Igor Trafane, BSOP’s founder, remains a minority shareholder and will continue to work in the gaming sector through other roles, including as president of the World Poker Federation (WPF) and chairman of the board at H2Bet, an online gaming operator.
“When we created the BSOP in 2006, our goal was to professionalize poker and showcase its potential as an industry. Today, seeing Rafa take the lead fills me with pride. I have full confidence that he will carry this legacy forward with responsibility, long-term vision, and passion for the sport,” says Trafane.
Source: GMB
