Isle Open Event #3 (Flight 1E): His Name Is Engelberth, But You Can Call Him "Steve"

2018 Isle Open | Event #3
$100 No Limit Hold'em ($100,000 GTD)
Level 5 (Blinds 200/400/400)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 62

He's not often spotted at the tournament tables, but Engelberth Valera has chosen this tournament to try and recapture the magic of old.

His legal name is Engelberth Valera, and he's from Venezuela...but most players in the poker community know him as "Steve."  Steve's tournament career started outside of the United states, as he made early waves during LAPT events (from 2010-2013).  Engelberth really broke out onto the scene in 2011, when he final tabled the LAPT Puna Del Estre (Mantra Resort Spa And Casino) $2,500 No Limit Hold'em Main Event.  Valera took third place (outright), which was worth $88,970, and helped kickstart his career.  

After coming to the states, Engelberth has seen his tournament volume drop, as much of his focus is on cash game action.  He does play in dailies at surrounding properties, but rarely misses these great value tournaments, that are run during major series.  Valera's last cash was here at the Isle in February, when he placed 37th in a $175 No Limit Hold'em ($50,000 GTD).