João Vieira, known in the poker world as "Naza114," is one of the most successful professional poker players from Portugal. His name is synonymous with success in both online and live tournament poker, with a career filled with prestigious accomplishments.

You played for the Portuguese national basketball team at just 15 years old. It seems you have excelled in sports and continue to do so. Tell us how you transitioned from basketball to poker.

Actually, it all started within my basketball team. Some of my teammates played poker, and that’s how I first got into it—by watching my basketball friends play. I also had other friends who were already into poker, so when I got injured and couldn’t practise basketball for 4-5 months, I had more time to focus on poker, which had already become a hobby. With more time to play, I gradually improved. It was just a smooth transition.

How would you compare basketball and poker?

Basketball is still my first love, and it always will be. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to the game, so it has a special place for me. However, the feeling is different with poker. In poker, you're mostly on your own—it's a more solitary experience. But in basketball, we have a team, and there’s a team spirit. We work together, and it's a completely different environment.

What was the most challenging aspect of learning poker for you?

To be honest, at the beginning, it wasn’t too hard because I started playing when poker wasn’t as developed. Nobody was really good, including myself. There weren’t specific ranges or strategies—it was more of a trial-and-error approach, and everything felt very amateur. Even the best players weren’t professionals. Compared to basketball, where everything was extremely professional—you wake up early, hit the gym, work hard, focus on nutrition—it was a different world. I thought if I was going to take poker seriously, I would approach it like I did basketball. I assumed everyone did, but at that time, they didn’t. So, the early years were easy for me because I brought my basketball discipline with me. It only got tougher later on when the competition became more skilled.

Have you tried casino night life?

No, nightlife isn’t really my thing. During the summer, I go out it with friends, but I usually keep things very separate. If I’m in Vegas for poker, I’m focused on playing. During days off, I might go out with friends, but that’s it. It’s similar to how I approached basketball—maybe a week of vacation or a night out during the summer, but during the season, no distractions.

You grew up in the town of Funchal on the Madeira Islands, where life was different from that in big cities. The residents of the island are known for their unity, hard work, and humility. Does it impact you?

Being from Madeira helped shape who I am. We care for each other and have a strong sense of community, which has kept me humble even after achieving some success in poker. The most important quality we have is hard work. Cristiano Ronaldo is also from Madeira, and it's not just him—people from the island work incredibly hard. We were poor, just a few years ago, many people were farmers or fishermen. I believe that hard-working mentality is a great foundation for achieving success.

What makes you unique in compare of other players?

I believe my basketball background, family, and being from the island all shaped me. I don’t work hard to get something; I work hard because it’s just who I am. I don’t do it for money, fame, or titles—that’s simply how I live my life. When I achieve success, I stay humble and keep working, without getting cocky or egotistical. This mind-set also helps when things go wrong. Whether times are good or bad, you keep working hard. That’s a solid recipe for success.

What was the most though period in your life?

Oh, I’ve had many tough moments, especially in poker. Basketball was the first. When I had to quit, I was devastated—I cried for hours, maybe 2-3 straight, in the shower. Then, in poker, during tough periods, it was similar. I worked really hard, but sometimes you go for months without success in tournaments. I’ve had several of those. Over time, I’ve learned that it’s normal. You can have 2 months of losing, and that’s okay. But the first time it happened, it was hard because I worked so hard and thought I was playing well. That’s just poker—you have to accept it.

Over more than 15 years, you’ve travelled almost all over the world for poker. Which location did you enjoy the most?

Barcelona has it all—great weather, delicious food, and friendly, easy-going people. No one really cares how you dress; everyone is relaxed and welcoming. It’s not like those places where people are always trying to show off their wealth or expensive cars. Here, it’s common to see someone in flip-flops. The beach is nearby, and there are many artists, which adds to the vibrant energy. I love being by the sea every day. I’ve also lived in Prague and Holland, and I fell in love with London too. It’s a big city where nobody cares who you are or how you dress, allowing you to just be yourself.

Last year, you appeared in the Triton series, which many consider the Rolls Royce of poker—how was your experience playing in this prestigious series?

It was a really good experience! I made some final tables and had a bit of success. My last tournament in South Korea went well—I had several cashes at the final table, and the experience was great. It’s different from any other stop; it’s a small community where you know every dealer and every player. The competition is fierce, but they treat you really well. I’ve been to Asia twice—once in Vietnam and once in South Korea—and I felt great both times. I think I performed well, so it’s a stop I’ll look for more often if my Winamax schedule allows it. I hope to compete more, earn more titles, and make a good splash. It’s one of those places where you can really prove you belong at the top.

What does you preparation looks like?

I can't really change my preparation; it stays the same throughout the year. I don’t alter much. There’s a great line from a boxer: 'Stay ready to get ready.' I once left preparation the day before a college exam and it didn't go so well (laughs)

How do you choose the tournaments, do you have strategy or it is random, depends on feeling?

No, it’s still a way to make money. Even if you feel like you’re doing really well, you don’t want to play only against extremely skilled players, as that can be very challenging. You have to choose the right tournaments for yourself. About 90% of tournaments may seem profitable, but there’s also that gut feeling. For instance, today there’s a key high roller event at the Winamax Poker Open here in Bratislava, which is a good tournament for me. However, there’s also a lot of mixed game events, which sounds like a fun tournament. So today, I’ll choose to go for fun. Usually, I focus on work, but sometimes in life, you should choose what makes you happiest. We call it 'money eve,' 'financial eve,' and 'life eve,' which is super important. It’s like doing a job you don’t enjoy—maybe it’s not the best for your finances, but if you love it, then go for it.

Last question, tell me please two positive and two negative aspect of yourself.

Positively, the greater the distance between the person being flattered and the compliment, the better. So I choose negative aspects. Sometimes I worry too much. While striving for perfection can be beneficial, it can also be paralyzing. Working too hard can be stressful, and if I don’t get my coffee, I can get a little cranky (laughs). I realize I should give people more of my time and be less busy; I want to be more present.

João, thank you very much for the interview and we wish you good luck in poker and in life!