Online Poker Legend: How Ryan Chamas Survived an $800,000 Downswing

Ryan "Beriuzy" Chamas shares his personal experience of overcoming the biggest downswing of his career and returning to the world of online poker. Find out which decisions helped him cope with the challenges.

Ryan "Beriuzy" Chamas is one of the most well-known online grinders of our time, and he recently returned to the poker community with a candid story about how he managed to overcome a brutal $800,000 downswing. His comeback became a real event for poker fans, as two years ago he unexpectedly disappeared from the public eye, leaving many questions unanswered. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what Chamas went through, the decisions he made, and what lessons PPPoker club players can learn from his story. Two Years of Silence: Why Beriuzy Left In November 2023, Ryan Chamas, known as "Beriuzy," recorded a farewell video for his YouTube audience. In it, he announced his decision to step down not only as a GGPoker ambassador but also to temporarily stop creating poker content, including Twitch streams. The main reason for this step was the heavy emotional toll caused by a massive downswing—over the course of a year, he lost $800,000, which became the toughest challenge in his 17-year poker career. At that time, Chamas did not specify when he would return or make any promises about future videos. He honestly admitted that he wanted to take a break from poker and focus on other aspects of life, particularly traveling and personal development. The Toughest Downswing: How It Happened In his return, Chamas spoke in detail about how he endured a string of losses. According to him, these were "dark times" when it felt like everything was going wrong and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. He noted that the downswing affected not only his results at the tables but also had a negative impact on other areas of his life. Chamas didn’t withdraw into himself—he started looking for solutions. Together with his wife, he went traveling to completely take his mind off poker for a while, change his environment, and restore his emotional balance. This approach allowed him to look at the situation from a different perspective and prepare for a new stage in his career. Chamas took the creation of his video about his journey through the downswing very seriously: his team spent 150 hours preparing the material. Ryan himself emphasized that he had no ulterior motives: "I put a lot of effort and resources into this project without expecting anything in return. I just hope my experience helps someone in the poker community, because poker has given me so much." Return to the Tables: Success in Live Tournaments In November 2023, still down seven figures, Chamas decided to try his hand at live poker. He went to Florida to play in the WPT Seminole Rock N' Roll Poker Open with a $3,500 buy-in. The tournament drew 1,447 entrants, and Ryan managed to reach the final table. In heads-up, he made a deal with eventual champion Istvan Briski , which earned him $600,000. Chamas had sold half his action to friends in advance, but even so, his net profit was $300,000—almost 40% of his previous downswing recovered in a single tournament. In May 2024, Chamas made another final table, this time in his hometown of Montreal at the WPT Playground stop. Out of 882 entrants, he finished 4th and took home $113,770, further reducing his overall deficit—which by then was about $300,000. Main Tournament Results for Beriuzy After His Return: WPT Seminole Rock N' Roll Poker Open (Florida, November 2023) : 2nd place, $600,000 (net profit after selling action — $300,000) WPT Playground (Montreal, May 2024) : 4th place out of 882, $113,770 The Road to Recovery: Advice from Beriuzy By early 2025, Chamas had fully recovered all losses from the downswing. He emphasizes that traveling and changing activities were key factors in overcoming emotional burnout. In his video, he shares advice for those facing prolonged downswings or simply feeling insecure about poker: "I would highly recommend focusing on other areas of life outside of poker during such times, if you have the time. And if you don’t—you need to find it." Thus, Chamas urges players not to fixate on results at the table and to remember the importance of balance between poker and the rest of life. Contribution to the Poker Community and Motivation Chamas notes that creating the video about his journey through the downswing is his way of giving back to the poker community, which has given him so much. He hopes that his story will help other players cope with difficulties and maintain their love for the game even during tough times. Chamas’s team spent 150 hours preparing the video, and he doesn’t hide the fact that he invested significant resources into the project. However, for him, the most important thing is the opportunity to support other players and share real experience in overcoming a crisis. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players The story of Ryan "Beriuzy" Chamas is a vivid reminder that even the most experienced and successful players face prolonged downswings. For PPPoker club members, this is an important signal: setbacks are part of the game, and it’s crucial to maintain psychological resilience, avoid panic, and not try to chase losses at any cost. The practical takeaway for PPPoker club players: if you feel that a losing streak is starting to affect your mood and daily life, don’t be afraid to take a break. A change of scenery, rest, or new experiences can not only help restore balance but also rekindle your interest in the game. Moreover, Chamas’s experience shows that support from friends, sharing risk (such as selling action), and being honest with yourself are effective tools for managing your bankroll and emotional state. Use the opportunities in PPPoker clubs to connect, share experiences, and seek support—this will help you get through any challenges at the poker table.