Brazilian FREEROLLS Into WSOP Main Event As Epic Omaha Leaderboard Changes Everything
From Brazil to the Big Stage: An Unexpected WSOP Journey
Getting into the WSOP Main Event can be a challenge. First, you need to come up with the $10,000 buy-in. Then you need to arrange a place to stay in Las Vegas, plus there’s food, entertainment, and other things to keep you busy and out of trouble in Sin City. That’s part of what makes GGPoker’s Road to Vegas so appealing. A package takes care of buy-in, helps to arrange a place to stay, gives you something for travel expenses, and even offers a place to relax once you’re here. Of course, getting here is just the first step.
While getting her can be difficult, navigating a 10,000-player field over 11 days is another problem entirely. Most players are already gone by the time the tournament gets to Day 3, and when the money bubble bursts, either late Day 3 or early Day 4, the field is down to just 15%. Even then, you still have over 1,400 other players to beat before becoming a champion, but to make it that far is still a remarkable feat, just ask Murilo Milhomem.
Love at First Hand
Murilo was first introduced to poker in 2017 by some friends in his hometown in Brazil. He went with them to some live poker clubs in the city, and right from the very first hand, he knew this is what he wanted to do. He would go to the club when time permitted, but was limited by his obligations. To make it easier to find time to play, in 2018, he started playing online. It was here, on the online platforms, that he was truly able to develop and improve his game.
“I joined GGPoker in 2020 because of the WSOP Online. It had always been a dream of mine to win a bracelet and prove to my friends, and myself, that I really am that good.” While Murilo has not yet won a WSOP Bracelet, he has seen other incredible successes, including a few BSOP events and taking down the EPT Barcelona Mystery Bounty in 2024.
Finding His Online Home
Joining GGPoker was one of the best decisions of his young career, and where he spends most of his time now. “I like GG best, it is much better than any of the other sites. There’s always a cash game and tournaments running. The value is great and there are so many rec players. I really enjoy PLO tournaments now and I’m looking forward to the next Omaholics series.”
The Omaha Twist of Fate
Speaking of Omaholics, Murilo, after coming down for the WSOP the last 2 years, was going to skip it this year. Fortunately, the Fates had a different plan. Murilo’s love of Omaha had him deeply invested in the Spring Omaholics series, where he finished 2nd on the Leaderboard. His prize was a $1,200 satellite ticket for a Road to Vegas qualifier. He played in the qualifier only because he had the ticket. And it was from there that he won his seat. “It was crazy. I wasn’t even planning on going this year. But I won the ticket from the Leaderboard and just played and here I am, basically freerolling in the Main Event.” Needless to say, his ROI and EV are massive.
Battle Ready with 12 Million Chips
Murilo started his journey here on Day 1D and, at the start of Day 7, had built his stack up to 12M, a bit over the average stack. His plan for the day was to “just keep on playing my game,” he said with a smile that warmed the room. The WSOP+ has made everything so easy. It’s great. It’s so easy to use, no more line-ups like last year, and notes. I can take notes on the players. I love that.”
Sadly, it was time for Murilo to leave us and head to the tables to engage in the battle ahead of him. Unlike many of the remaining competitors, Murilo still had a wide smile planted on his face, excited, awake, and aware of the challenges ahead.
The Secret to Success
Before leaving, he revealed part of his secret to success: “Everything starts with good Bankroll management. Without knowing how to control your money, it is all too likely that things will end up badly. I have seen more than a few friends win something big, then lose it, and more even faster. You need to be in control of your life and don’t let the money lead you astray. Keep on studying. Study everything you can, and, most importantly, you need good mental health. Have people you can talk to when things are bad and people to share your victories with. Without that, poker will never be fun.”
As of right now, Murilo is still in the tournament, sitting with what appears to be an average stack at one of the feature tables. And as intense as he is looking, we can see he is having fun. We’re all rooting for you, Murilo, and hope to see you at the final table.
Article written by: Shawn Altbaum
Photographs by Tim Ash and are owned and are the exclusive property of GGPoker.
