Peter Costa

Childhood

Peter Costa was born on January 27, 1956, in Cyprus to Greek Cypriot parents. While detailed information about his early childhood is limited, his Mediterranean heritage would later influence his journey as he built a career that would eventually lead him to the gambling capitals of the world.

Career

Costa's poker career gained significant momentum when he won the sixth series of the popular television show "Late Night Poker" during his time in the United Kingdom. In this tournament, he defeated Austria's Jin Cai Lin in the final heads-up encounter, securing a substantial £60,000 first prize. This victory catapulted him into poker prominence.

Throughout his professional career, Costa has demonstrated remarkable skill across various poker variants. His expertise is particularly evident in his World Series of Poker (WSOP) performances, where he has made four notable final table appearances:

• 2002: $2,000 Limit Texas Hold'em – 9th place ($17,200) 2003:
• $2,500 Seven-Card Stud – 9th place ($3,600) 2005:
• $1,500 Limit Texas Hold'em – 7th place ($57,905) 2006:
• $3,000 Omaha Hi/Lo – 7th place ($38,861)

Costa's talents did not go unnoticed by the poker community, as evidenced by his nominations for both the 2002 and 2003 European Poker Player of the Year awards. Furthermore, he claimed victory at the prestigious Aussie Millions tournament in 2003, further cementing his status in the international poker scene.

At one point in his career, Costa held the record for winning the limit hold'em tournament with the most entrants, showcasing his ability to outmaneuver large fields of competitors.

Personal life

Outside of his professional poker endeavors, Costa has developed an appreciation for cinema. His favorite film is reported to be "Groundhog Day," and he maintains a particular admiration for the legendary actor James Stewart.

Costa has family connections within the poker world, with his niece, Maria Demetriou, also establishing her own reputation with numerous poker accomplishments.

While originally from Cyprus and having spent considerable time in the United Kingdom, Costa eventually relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, the global epicenter of gambling and poker, where he has continued to hone his skills among the world's elite players.

Revenue

As of 2008, Peter Costa's total live tournament winnings exceeded $1,700,000, demonstrating the financial success he has achieved through his poker expertise. This figure likely underrepresents his overall earnings, as it typically does not include revenue from cash games, sponsorships, or other poker-related ventures.

Interesting facts

Costa was formerly known by the nickname "The Silver Fox," a moniker he shared with fellow poker player Mel Judah.

His victory in the Aussie Millions tournament in 2003 represents one of the most prestigious titles in his collection.

Costa has successfully transitioned between multiple poker variants at an elite level, demonstrating versatility uncommon among many professionals who specialize in a single game type.

His consistent final table appearances at the World Series of Poker across different years and game formats illustrate his adaptability and sustained excellence.

Legacy

Peter Costa's legacy in poker is characterized by his consistent performance across multiple decades and various poker disciplines. His ability to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving world of professional poker speaks to his adaptability and deep understanding of the game's fundamentals.

As one of the players who gained visibility during poker's television boom in the early 2000s, Costa contributed to the game's growing popularity and helped introduce strategic poker play to wider audiences through his appearances on "Late Night Poker."