Live poker has a way of bringing people together from all over the world, creating unforgettable experiences both at and away from the poker tables. For KKPoker Pro Yuri Ishida, her recent trip to Costa Rica was no exception.
Costa Rica is a nation with a thriving poker community and has hosted two KKLIVE events recently.
From vibrant conversations at the felt to exploring new destinations, Yuri shares her insights on poker culture in Latin America, key takeaways for international players, and her future poker aspirations.
Yuri with friends in Costa Rica. Including Dominick French (left) #1 Flag Hunter.
A Global Gathering in Paradise
Yuri spent the end of January 2025 playing at the Costa Rica Poker Festival in San Jose, and acheived 3 cashes.
"Costa Rica had amazing weather, and the event attracted players from all over the world," Yuri recalls.
While most participants hailed from the U.S. and Northern Europe, the Asian representation consisted entirely of Japanese players. However, the trip wasn’t just about poker—many players took the opportunity to explore the country, and Yuri was no exception.
"At the tables, conversations often revolved around which countries were great to visit next. It was a really fun atmosphere, both on and off the felt."
While the tournament itself adhered to international standards, one particular feature stood out to Yuri—the size of the main event chips.
"What surprised me the most was that the chips in the main event were noticeably larger than in other tournaments. While it made chip shuffling a bit tricky, they were beautifully designed, which made playing even more enjoyable."
Live poker in Costa Rica carried a lively and welcoming energy. While some players remained serious, most were cheerful and talkative, making it easy to relax. Yuri also noted a warm touch from the organizers.
"A Costa Rican woman, possibly one of the event staff, would regularly give a welcome speech at the venue. She was incredibly cheerful and helped set the tone for the entire event."
From Yuri’s perspective, poker events in Asia and South America don’t differ drastically in structure, though she has observed an increase in prize pool sizes in Asia. One unique aspect of Costa Rica’s tournaments was how staff handled payouts.
"When a player made the money, a staff member would personally escort them to the registration desk. That was something I hadn’t seen in many other places."
Play Styles: Risk-Takers vs. Calculators
One key distinction Yuri noticed was the playing style of South American players compared to Japanese players.
"I got the impression that more players were willing to take risks. Looking back, I realized it would have been better not to build big pots too often. Many of these players had a risk-taking mindset and would call all-in even when they were behind."
She also encountered loose players with wide calling ranges—a scenario that could be profitable but also led to some unfortunate suck-outs.
Advice for Traveling Poker Players
Yuri at the event alongside Scottish flag hunter & Triton champion Andrew Leatham (second left)
Yuri, the leading female live poker flag hunter on the Hendon Mob, has cashed live poker tournaments in over 45 countries. Her travels mean she has played in various poker setups with differing structures and rules. So, what is one key advice for playing in new environments?
"Always take a photo of your stack during breaks. This is the best proof in case of disputes." said Yuri.
She recalled a past experience in Romania where her chip bag had been opened before she sat down on Day 2, and she was missing 5,000 chips. Additionally, she was surprised to learn that in some countries, dealers would leave the tables unattended during breaks.
"Each country has different priorities and values. You can’t expect the rules of your home country to apply everywhere."
Language Barriers and Table Talk
For Japanese players competing internationally, miscommunication can be a challenge. Yuri warns that pronunciation issues with words like "fold" and "call" can lead to costly mistakes.
"To avoid confusion, the safest thing to do is simply muck your cards without saying anything. While verbal declarations take precedence, releasing your cards means a fold."
A phrase she heard frequently at the tables in Costa Rica? "Vamos!"—a spirited equivalent of "Let’s go!" or "Come on!"
Dreaming of More Flags
With KKLIVE previously held in San Jose, Yuri is eager to continue her poker journey in South America, particularly in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
"Poker is very popular there, and I’d love to collect flags from those countries! I’ve already picked up flags from Poland and Slovakia, and I’m always looking for more."
Her next stops? Armenia and Scotland in March, with a possible trip to Aruba in September—an event that many flag hunters rave about.
A Final Message to the Poker Community
"If you see me at a live event, don’t hesitate to say hi!" Yuri said with her characteristic enthusiasm.
With her passion for both poker and travel, Yuri Ishida continues to embrace every new poker destination with excitement. Whether it's discovering unique tournament quirks, adapting to local playing styles, or collecting flags from across the globe, her journey is a testament to the universal appeal of poker.
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