João Vieira, better known by his online moniker “Naza114”, is making one of the boldest shifts in poker this year. After conquering nearly every corner of the online poker world, the Portuguese superstar has announced that 2025 will be dedicated to the live poker grind.
For a player with 3 WSOP bracelets, 19 major online titles, and the top spot on Portugal’s all-time money list, it might seem like there’s nothing left to prove. But Vieira, a relentless competitor with a background in professional basketball, sees it differently. The transition from online dominance to live legend is his next mountain to climb—and he’s doing it with surgical precision.
From Digital Dominance to Felt Ambition
If you follow online poker in any capacity, you know the name Naza114. João Vieira has long been one of the most respected names in the digital arena, racking up titles in both SCOOP and WCOOP, and constantly outplaying the best in the world across the toughest formats.
But in 2025, he’s made it clear: this is the year of live poker.
“My resume online has been fairly good. Now I’m just going to try and replicate that in live events,” Vieira told PokerNews.
It’s a shift in both mindset and lifestyle. While the online grind can be done from the comfort of one’s home or a hotel room, the live circuit requires travel, stamina, and a whole different level of psychological endurance.
A Carefully Crafted 2025 Schedule
Vieira isn’t diving in blindly. His transition to live poker is being executed with the same discipline and preparation that made him an online legend.
His year kicked off with a measured approach. After taking January to rest and reset, he focused on gradually building momentum. In March, he competed at the Triton Poker Series, and used April for online training and recovery—a calculated ramp-up for 80 consecutive days of live tournaments.
His live poker calendar for 2025 includes:
- EPT Monte Carlo
- Triton Poker Series Montenegro
- World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas
- Several other major high roller events in Europe and the U.S.
For Vieira, this is not a “see what happens” approach—it’s an elite athlete preparing for a championship season.
“In March, I was at Triton, so in April, I tried not to fly. I focused on playing online, sharpening the tools a little bit. Just to get ready for 80 days of live tournaments that I’m going to play.”
Bringing a Pro Athlete’s Mentality to Poker
What separates João Vieira from many top grinders is his mindset. A former professional basketball player, Vieira approaches poker with the intensity and discipline of a high-level athlete. For him, rest, preparation, and energy management are as crucial as GTO charts and bluff frequencies.
He emphasizes not playing everything, even if that means skipping high-profile events. His goal isn’t volume—it’s peak performance during the most important moments.
“It’s such a long journey, you just have to take it one day at a time,” he explains.
In an age where burnout is real—especially for live circuit grinders—Vieira’s balanced approach might be a model for longevity in the game.
What Makes Vieira’s Transition So Important
Vieira’s pivot to live poker isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a symbolic moment in the evolution of modern poker.
1. Online Stars Embracing the Live Stage
As poker matures globally, we’re seeing more top online pros migrate to the live scene. Vieira is part of a new breed of hybrid players, combining online solver skills with live-game psychology and presence.
2. Portugal’s Rise in Global Poker
With Vieira already holding Portugal’s top position on the all-time money list, his presence on the international live stage elevates the entire Portuguese poker community. He’s not just playing for himself—he’s playing for national pride.
3. A Blueprint for Sustainability in Poker
By prioritizing rest, recovery, and selectivity, Vieira is challenging the volume-is-king culture. His strategy offers a sustainable, performance-first model that could influence future generations of poker professionals.
The Road Ahead: Eyes on Las Vegas
As summer nears, all eyes turn to the 2025 WSOP in Las Vegas, where Vieira will undoubtedly be a central figure. With three bracelets already in his trophy case, a deep Main Event run or another bracelet victory would cement his place among the greatest of the modern era.
And if his current form is anything to go by, it’s not a question of if—but when.
Final Thoughts
João “Naza114” Vieira is no stranger to the grind. But in 2025, he’s bringing his game to a new arena—the live poker circuit. With a sharp focus, elite preparation, and a champion’s mindset, Vieira is poised to make serious waves at the tables around the world.
As poker fans, we’re lucky to watch this transformation in real time. And if his online career is any indication, live poker is about to get a lot more dangerous for everyone not named João Vieira.
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