ISLE OF MAN, U.K., JULY 20 /PRNewswire/ -- PokerStars.com (http://www.pokerstars.com/ ), the world's largest tournament Web site announced today that Humberto Brenes has joined the world-class roster of Team PokerStars. Brenes' first public appearance as a Team PokerStars player will be at the 2006 World Series of Poker. He will represent Team PokerStars throughout the year at numerous other poker tournaments. Known as the "Godfather of Costa Rican Players," Humberto has earned two World Series of Poker gold bracelets and has placed in the money at more than 40 major tournaments.

"Humberto is the epitome of the competitive spirit and class that is Team PokerStars," stated Nolan Dalla, Director of Communications for PokerStars.com. "He is a competitor that incites both a tremendous fear and respect from all players."

Humberto has been playing poker since the age of seven, when he learned the game from his father in Costa Rica. He started his card playing career off as a baccarat player in Bahamian casinos. Demonstrating a great aptitude for the game and understanding of the odds, he switched to playing poker and quickly began defeating the many tourists who visited the Islands.

Most people recognize Humberto for his colorful attire, charisma and skillful play. Professionals recognize him for his many titles and accomplishments. Humberto's breakout year was 2002, when he finished first at Jack Binion World Poker Open championship in Tunica, MS taking home more than $500,000. In 2003, Humberto placed second at the L.A. Invitational. In 2004, he placed second in the Bellagio's Five Diamond World Poker Classic followed by a third-place finish at the Foxwood's Poker Classic with winnings totaling more than $1.5 million.

Humberto holds a college degree in industrial engineering from the University of Costa Rica and wears many hats away from the table. He is a successful businessman, having owned the local Univision television station, a construction company, and a number of restaurants in the past. He currently owns a peanut and nut company in Costa Rica and he is known for his generosity and support of the local communities. A true ambassador for the game, Humberto brings his intellect and his heart to the poker table, and each has led to his success and respect from the poker world.

Each member of Team PokerStars brings finesse, talent, and a true passion to the sport of poker. The team includes:

Joe Hachem Greg Raymer Chris Moneymaker John Duthie Wil Wheaton Steve Paul-Ambrose Barry Greenstein Vanessa Rousso Lee Nelson Luca Pagano Isabelle Mercier Victor Ramdin Tom McEvoy Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier Humberto Brenes

Go to http://www.pokerstars.com/team-pokerstars to learn more about Team PokerStars.

About PokerStars

PokerStars (http://www.pokerstars.com/ ) is the world's most innovative online poker site. PokerStars was the first site to introduce features that became industry standard such as sophisticated multi-table tournaments, integrated game statistics, players' notes, personalized images, time bank for tournaments and big bet ring games, satellite tournaments, multi-table sit and go tournaments, and much more.

To date, PokerStars has dealt out over five-billion hands and run more than 25 million poker tournaments, awarding well over $5 billion in prize money. PokerStars is the world's largest poker tournament room, with over 5 million registered player accounts. PokerStars' support team is truly unique, as help and assistance is available around the clock from people who know and understand the game of poker and the importance of impeccable customer service.

The PokerStars.com site is also one of the most secure. PokerStars uses industry-leading security software to ensure the integrity of the system, including encryption, card shuffle randomness and preventative measures against cheating and collusion. Money covering player's balances is held in segregated accounts managed by the Royal Bank of Scotland, ensuring that PokerStars can fulfill its obligations to players at all times.

In February 2006, PokerStars.com became the first poker website ever to reach the 100,000 simultaneous player mark. That watershed achievement marked the largest poker event in history. Every week, the PokerStars.com "Sunday Million" is played, which the largest weekly tournament on the planet with a $1 million guaranteed tournament prize pool.

PokerStars is an official member of the World Poker Tour, and the title sponsor of the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. In the fall, PokerStars hosts the world's largest online tournament, the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP). PokerStars also sponsors major events around the globe, such as the World Cup of Poker and other exciting tournaments.

During the last three years, PokerStars.com sent more players to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) than any other source or website. A whopping 1,116 entrants (19 percent of the field) qualified to play in the 2005 WSOP via PokerStars satellites. PokerStars is the site where the 2003 and 2004 World Series of Poker champions won their entries into the WSOP. The reigning world poker champion, Joe Hachem, has also been an active player at PokerStars since 2001. He joined Moneymaker and Raymer as official representatives of PokerStars.com, thus fortifying the company trademark, "Where Poker Players Become World Champions."

CONTACT: Kerry Johnson, kerry.johnson@lotus-pr.com, or Susan Lindner,
susan.lindner@lotus-pr.com, both of Lotus Public Relations, +1-212-922-5885,
for PokerStars.com; or Nolan Dalla of PokerStars.com, nolan@pokerstars.com

Web site: http://www.pokerstars.com/team-pokerstars
http://www.pokerstars.com/