Although Paul Cukier known as “pochi”, is the youngest in the Costa Rican team (only 21 years old), he has been playing poker since he was a child tutored by his grandparents Max and Maria Stern, both WSOP bracelet winners, making him a rising star in the tournament circuit. 

He has won several tournaments placing first in Costa Rica which in return has given him cash winnings in South America and the United States, not to mention his online earnings.

He was born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica. At a very young aged his agility in sports allowed him to be a competitive player which has carried on throughout his entire life. Before realizing it, Paul Cukier was learning the language of poker at the early age of 13.

Having the benefit of living under the same roof of his grandparents, which visited Costa Rica six months out of the year and the other six were spent in Las Vegas. So out of the 24 weeks he spent with them he was able to literately sponge knowledge regarding anything to do with poker.

Through his years in development as a professional poker player, he was introduced to another pro named Felipe “improved” Montenegro. Paul said “He had a big impact in my game.” Improved was able to better guide Paul in the aspect of online poker.

As of today, you can find this young professional at any major poker event whether it is locally or internationally.