Noted online poker ace shares strategies for recovering from a $800,000 slump in winnings
Rayan "Beriuzy" Chamas Overcomes Downswing and Returns to Poker Spotlight
Rayan "Beriuzy" Chamas, a renowned online poker star, has made a comeback after a two-year hiatus, marking his return with a series of impressive performances and a heartfelt YouTube video.
In November 2023, Chamas participated in the $3,500 buy-in World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Rock N' Roll Poker Open, where he reached the final table among the 1,447 participants. His journey didn't end there, as he repeated this feat in May 2024 at Playground in Montreal, securing a place in another WPT final table.
However, Chamas' road to success was not without its challenges. A significant downswing in his career saw him lose a substantial sum of $800,000. This period, referred to as "dark times," took a toll on his mental health. But Chamas, ever resilient, found solace in travel and focusing on other aspects of life. His travels took him to Japan, Thailand, Australia, and Brazil during his hiatus from 2023 to 2025.
Beriuzy's travels and personal growth paid off, as he managed to win back all his lost money by early 2025. His victory in the WPT Seminole Rock N' Roll Poker Open eliminated nearly 40% of his downswing, marking a significant turning point in his career.
In May 2024, Beriuzy agreed to a heads-up chop with the eventual champ Istvan Briski and took home $600,000. His journey out of the downswing is chronicled in a heartfelt YouTube video, which can be watched below.
Chamas, who started his poker career while working at Subway, stated that he made the video to help others and because he is passionate about giving back to the poker community. The video, an hour long, was made after spending 150 hours over two years.
Beriuzy advises other players to focus on life outside of poker when possible, or make time for it if necessary. He believes that this approach helped him overcome his downswing and improve his mental health.
Chamas, who once served as a GGPoker ambassador, left this role during his hiatus. However, he is now back creating content, providing a source of inspiration and guidance for aspiring poker players everywhere.
