Joao Simao is a legendary Brazilian professional poker player who stands as one of the most successful and versatile figures in South American poker history, dominating both online arenas and the highest stakes of the live tournament circuit.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With over $17.7 million in total live earnings, Simao has cemented his status in elite poker circles. His biggest career cash came in December 2025 at the WSOP Paradise, where he took down the $150,000 Triton NLH Eight-Max for a jaw-dropping $3,067,000 payout, capturing his third career World Series of Poker bracelet. Just weeks later, he closed out the year by winning Super High Roller Bowl X in Las Vegas, outlasting Jason Koon heads-up to take home another $1,100,000.

Simao’s impressive momentum has rolled into 2026, highlighted by a victory at the U.S. Poker Open Event #8: $15,000 No-Limit Hold’em for $292,800, alongside a final table appearance at the Triton Poker Series Montenegro $50,000 NLH 8-Handed event for $153,000. These consistent multi-million dollar years heavily bolster his overall poker net worth. To top that off, Simao claimed his fourth WSOP bracelet in the $50k PLO , for a huge score of $1,368,700, defeating India’s Santhosh Suvarna  heads-up.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Simao began his poker journey in the late 2000s. Before transitioning full-time to the live circuit, he was a powerhouse in the online realm under the iconic aliases “joaosimaobh” and “INeedMassari.” He amassed nearly $7.6 million in online cashes, securing a PokerStars COOP Triple Crown and ranking as the pocketfives #1 online player in the world multiple times in 2016. Simao also spent years representing partypoker as a team ambassador, serving as a key driving force behind the poker boom across Brazil and Latin America.

Play Style & Strategy

Simao is widely celebrated for his highly adaptive and technically fearless play style. While an exceptional No-Limit Hold’em specialist, he is an elite force in non-NLH variants, boasting a prestigious reputation in Pot-Limit Omaha and Mixed Games where he has locked up two of his four career WSOP bracelets. His strategic foundation blends the mathematical precision required to defeat modern, GTO-heavy fields with a deep, exploitative instincts. His resilience under immense high-stakes ICM pressure makes him one of the most formidable final table opponents in the modern era.

Social Media & Online Presence

Want to follow Joao Simao on social media? You can do so here:

• Twitter (X): @joaosimaobh

• The Hendon Mob: Joao Simao Profile