Juan Carlos Alvarado is a man of many talents. From dominating the poker tables to trading futures and even stepping into the cage for a fight, Alvarado has proven his versatility and skill in various arenas. We’ll delve into his remarkable journey, focusing on his poker career, his transition to futures trading, and his unforgettable fight against fellow poker pro Olivier Busquet.
You might not have heard this Mexican’s story of success, but you will know all about Juan Carlos Alvarado very soon.
Who is Juan Carlos Alvarado?
Juan Carlos Alvarado is a Mexican poker player, futures trader, and mixed martial arts enthusiast. Born on January 1, 1985, in Mexico City, Alvarado discovered his passion for poker at a young age and quickly made a name for himself in the poker community.
Poker wasn’t going to be Juan’s only talent, but he was clearly skilled and eventually became the number one earning live tournament player in Mexico.
Funnily enough, Juan’s grandmother was also playing online poker, favoring small-size tournaments called Sit and Gos.
Juan Carlos Alvarado Wins Millions Live and Online
Alvarado’s poker career took off when he started playing online. Did he deposit GGPoker or with PokerStars? Well, Juan Carlos probably would have chosen GGPoker if he was playing after 2020, but his grandmother was fond of PokerStars. He said that when he visited her, he’d often see her “grinding Sit and Gos”.
Sit and Go’s on GGPoker
Alvarado honed his skills in Texas Holdem and other variants, becoming one of the most feared players in online tournaments. His success online translated to the live poker scene, where he amassed over $2.7 million in tournament winnings.
Some of Alvarado’s notable live poker achievements include:
- 1st place in the 2010 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event ($1,500,000)
- 2nd place in the 2011 World Series of Poker $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em event ($353,906)
- 1st place in the 2012 European Poker Tour Barcelona €10,000 High Roller event (€290,000)
Alvarado’s aggressive playing style and fearless approach to the game made him a force to be reckoned with at the tables. His ability to read opponents and make bold moves, such as 5-bet shoving with hands like Queens or Aces, earned him the respect of his peers.
Juan Fights Another Poker Pro in UFC-Style Match
In 2016, Alvarado made headlines when he agreed to a UFC-style fight against fellow poker pro Olivier Busquet. The two had a long-standing rivalry, and they decided to settle their differences in the cage. This is more common between YouTubers, but we rarely see poker players testing their fighting skills.
After months of training, Alvarado and Busquet faced off in a highly-anticipated match. $150,000 was going to the winner, whichever player it was.
“I just started working out twice a day, eating super healthy, and my body transformed. A lot of good came out of that six months, mentally and physically”.
Despite being the underdog, Alvarado showcased his grit and determination, going toe-to-toe with Busquet for three rounds. Although Busquet ultimately won by decision, Alvarado earned praise for his performance and sportsmanship.
“I have so much respect for JC. He is so tough. If the situation was reversed I might have given up way before he did,” Busquet praised.
“I came in bigger and stronger, and he knew I would be and he still went through with it and still lasted three rounds. On the bottom most of the time, taking tough shots. I just have a lot of respect for him.”
Poker Analysis to Stock Market Analysis & Futures Trading
In recent years, Alvarado has shifted his focus from poker to futures trading. He credits his success in poker for helping him develop the analytical skills and mental toughness needed to thrive in the world of finance.
Alvarado’s approach to futures trading mirrors his poker strategy: he studies market trends, identifies opportunities, and makes calculated decisions based on his analysis. His ability to adapt to changing market conditions and manage risk has made him a successful trader.
Despite his new career path, Alvarado still finds time to play poker occasionally, both live and online.
