![Argentina [ARG]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/ar.svg "Argentina [ARG]"){kind=small}
Damian Salas is an Argentinian professional poker player and the 2020 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event World Champion. A former lawyer from Chascomús, Salas made history as the first Argentinian to win the most prestigious title in poker. Known by his online moniker “pampa27,” he has become a symbol of the South American poker boom, blending a disciplined legal mind with high-stakes aggression. With a career spanning over two decades, Salas remains a constant threat on the international circuit. In 2026, he continues to represent Argentina at the highest levels, recently deep-running major events at the EPT Paris and preparing for another historic summer in Las Vegas.
Career Earnings & Championship Milestones
As of early 2026, Damian Salas boasts total live tournament earnings exceeding $4,609,800 (according to The Hendon Mob), placing him firmly among the top earners in Argentinian history. His crowning achievement came during the unique “hybrid” 2020 WSOP Main Event, where he won the International leg for $1,550,969 before defeating Joseph Hebert in Las Vegas for an additional $1,000,000 and the world championship bracelet. Salas has proven he is no “one-hit wonder,” recording a 7th-place finish in the 2017 WSOP Main Event and a deep 27th-place run in 2022. His combined live and online success contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $8 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | WSOP $10,000 Main Event (1st – Bracelet) | $2,550,969* |
| 2017 | WSOP $10,000 Main Event (7th) | $1,425,000 |
| 2023 | WSOP Paradise $25,000 GGMillion$ (4th) | $856,800 |
| 2022 | EPT Barcelona €10,300 High Roller (8th) | $116,489 |
Biography & The “Pampa” Legend
Born and raised in Argentina, Damian Salas practiced law for years before transitioning into a world-class poker professional. He earned his law degree from the National University of La Plata, a background that many credit for his analytical and composed demeanor at the table. Salas first gained international attention during the 2017 Main Event, where he famously wore the Argentinian flag like a cape. After the global pandemic forced the 2020 series into a hybrid format, Salas overcame incredible travel hurdles and a grueling heads-up battle to secure his legacy. In 2026, he remains a mentor to the South American poker community, frequently seen competing in PokerGO Tour (PGT) high rollers and Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) events.
Play Style & Strategy
Salas is characterized by a “high-pressure, calculated” play style. He is particularly effective in deep-stacked No-Limit Hold’em tournaments, where his ability to utilize small-ball tactics and well-timed aggression keeps opponents off-balance. Unlike many modern “GTO” bots, Salas often relies on live reads and psychological profiling, skills honed during his years in the courtroom. His 2025 and 2026 performances show an evolution into the mixed-game world, though he remains a specialist in the Main Event structure, emphasizing patience and “survival mechanics” during the early stages of a tournament to capitalize on late-game mistakes.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow Damian “Pampa” Salas as he hunts for his second WSOP bracelet during the 2026 season:
