The much buzzed-about debut of the SiGMA Poker Tour in Brazil is just around the corner, with the event kicking off on April 9. Last month, we released a feature-length event preview. Earlier this week, we released a guide to all the off-the-felt activities and attractions you can enjoy in São Paulo away from the poker felt. Now we’d like to share more details about the festival’s venue, the comfortable and luxurious Monte Carlo Poker Club in São Paulo. To do this, we reached out to Jose Eduardo Dias Aulicino, better known as “Dado”, who is the club’s Tournament Director.
Interview with Jose Eduardo Dias Aulicino
What are your expectations for the debut of the SiGMA Poker Tour?
My expectations for the debut of the SiGMA Poker Tour are extremely positive. The poker market in Brazil has developed remarkably in recent years, and I believe that the country deserves high-quality international events such as SiGMA.
The Monte Carlo Poker Club, as one of the main destinations for poker enthusiasts in Brazil, is committed to offering an unparalleled experience. This event will be an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the poker scene in Brazil, consolidating the country as one of the leading hubs in the world of poker. With our first-class infrastructure, participating in an internationally renowned event such as SiGMA only reinforces our role in providing players with a unique and high-level experience.
Will satellites be held before the festival starts?
Yes, there will be live satellites running both before and during the first few days of the SiGMA Poker Tour. These satellites offer players the opportunity to qualify for the Main Event, providing an accessible and exciting experience for all types of players. At Monte Carlo Poker Club, we understand the importance of providing opportunities for our members and participants to compete in prestigious events, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has the chance to be part of this great festival.
What would you point to as the primary difference between this all-new SiGMA Poker Tour stop versus other poker festivals that already exist in Brazil?
The difference is already noticeable because it is not being held in a hotel, like other events that have been held in the country. The fact that this festival’s poker tournaments are taking place in a permanent poker club means that for the first time players will feel like they are in a dedicated environment that is designed exclusively for poker.
What reasons would you give Cardplayer Lifestyle readers to attend this upcoming festival?
The event offers the perfect combination of the excitement of poker and a unique entertainment experience. At the Monte Carlo Poker Club, participants will have access to top-notch cuisine, with dishes prepared by renowned chefs. In addition, the club’s infrastructure is exceptional: there are three floors designed to provide a complete experience. One floor is dedicated to entertainment and live shows, another exclusively for poker tournaments, and a third space dedicated to cash games and parallel tournaments. The quality of service is an unmistakable differentiator, with a highly trained team focused on providing the best experience for participants.
What places in the city would you recommend visiting for someone who has a day off from poker?
A great recommendation would be the Doryo Sushi Bar restaurant. Located in Itaim Bibi, one of the most sophisticated neighborhoods in São Paulo, Doryo is recognized and renowned for its high-quality Japanese cuisine.
Tell us a little about the history of the Monte Carlo Poker Club. What year did you open your doors? What type of tournaments do you hold? How many tables do you have?
The Monte Carlo Poker Club opened its doors in 2020, bringing together a passionate leadership team, who have been working in the poker market for over 20 years. With over 40 tables in our venue, we hold tournaments with different buy-ins, ranging from freerolls to High Roller tournaments.
The Monte Carlo Poker Club holds prestigious tournaments, such as Patrons and DIVAS, offering incredible challenges for the poker-loving public, from recreational players to the most experienced professionals. With different formats, these tournaments present a unique opportunity for those seeking high-level competition, as well as a luxurious and welcoming environment.
We noticed that you broke an attendance record for women’s tournaments in Latin America with 342 entries. How did you manage to attract the attention of so many women and bring them to the poker tables?
This result is the result of integrated work between several areas of the club, from the customer service team to management, all committed to providing a differentiated and high-level experience. Our partnership with the renowned Regina Cassab, president of the Women’s Poker League in Brazil, has been fundamental in offering an inclusive environment specially designed for female players.
By listening carefully to the needs and desires of the female audience, the League contributes to strengthening the presence of women in poker, aligning itself with the Monte Carlo Poker Club in creating more welcoming and attractive tournaments. Together, our two organizations promote diversity in poker, setting new standards for women’s events in Brazil.
There are often musical performances at the club. Will there be any concerts happening during the SiGMA Poker Tour? What else will festival-goers find at the venue beyond the poker?
The Monte Carlo has a dedicated entertainment and concert floor. Our entertainment program will also be happening during the SiGMA Poker Tour, where festival-goers will be able to enjoy a complete experience with exciting tournaments, an ideal space for interaction between participants, creating a true celebration of poker and sophistication.
You can see more photos and videos of the venue on the Monte Carlo Poker Club’s Instagram and Facebook pages, and of course you can visit the venue yourself when heading out to play at the inaugural SiGMA Poker Tour stop in São Paulo.
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