One of the classic poker rooms in Costa Rica is the one at Casino Europa in the Radisson Hotel. Back in the days of the young World Poker Tour Costa Rica was the first and only stop outside of the U.S., and it was played right here. The finmal table saw Jose Rosenkrantz take home the title in a battle against Jaime Ligator, Dewey Tomko and Luis Milanes, the big Cuban, who later disappeared from the country with an unknown size money bag of investor money.

The poker room still boasts the best poker dealers and the tightest tournament management in the country, it is a real pleasure to play here. They even start on time!

Monday nights it is 15,000 colones buy-in freeze-out (they have different formts throughout the week) and last time I went I was joined by Mike Fonseca, Diego Quesada and Larry Daigle. While Larry and Diego exited faster than they had desired, Mike and I managed to sit within max. 2 seats of each other throught the entire tournament. We were re-seated 3 times before we sat down in seat 6 and 7 at the Final Table. I had the pleasure of taking Mike out and ended 5th myself. No big money score, but a pleasant way to spend a night in San Jose after working all day. Drinks are free and so are the pizza slices at the first break. Really a no-brainer with a low buy-in.

In Tamarindo the TPT is getting nearer the end. I am still qualified for the Final Table, but could be indanger of sliding to 11th position if I don´t place in top 3 in one of the last 3 tournaments. Check out the standings on www.costaricapoker.org/TPT.html