![Cyprus [CYP]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/cy.svg "Cyprus [CYP]"){kind=small}
Peter Costa, affectionately known in the poker world as “The Poet” or “The Silver Fox,” is a British professional poker player of Greek Cypriot descent who became a prominent fixture on the global circuit during the early 2000s. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Costa is remembered as one of the most successful European players of his generation, celebrated for his calm demeanor, tactical depth, and iconic victory in the Late Night Poker television series.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings exceeding $2,000,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Costa carved out a stellar reputation in the pre-boom and early-boom eras of poker. His most significant live score of $221,862 came from his major victory in the 2003 Aussie Millions Main Event. A master of Limit Hold’em, Costa’s early 2000s run was legendary, including multiple high-stakes tournament victories at the Bellagio and the Hall of Fame Poker Classic. He remains a consistent presence in modern tournaments, continuing to compete in World Series of Poker (WSOP) events and regional circuits.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Cyprus in 1956, Costa moved to the United Kingdom, where he eventually transitioned into professional poker after years of honing his craft. He gained massive popularity in the UK through his televised performances on Late Night Poker, where he defeated Jin Cai Lin to win the sixth series and solidify his status as a top-tier talent. Throughout 2002 and 2003, his dominance was such that he was nominated for the European Poker Player of the Year award in consecutive years. Beyond his technical skill, Costa is known for his introspective approach—even writing poetry about his experiences at the WSOP—and his transition from a British poker icon to a long-time Las Vegas resident.
Play Style & Strategy
Costa’s style is defined by “patience, discipline, and expert hand-reading.” As a specialist in Limit and Pot-Limit variants, his approach relies heavily on sound structural play and the ability to minimize variance. Unlike the hyper-aggressive style of many modern players, Costa’s “Poet” persona at the table reflects his cerebral nature; he prefers to methodically dismantle opponents through superior situational awareness and psychological consistency. His longevity in the game is a testament to his ability to adapt his classical foundation to the evolving, GTO-influenced strategies of the current era.
Social Media & Resources
While Peter Costa maintains a lower profile than the modern social media-driven generation of pros, his historical results and professional records can be found here:
