For Ari Engel and Jo Kim, life on the poker circuit is about much more than chasing tournament titles and collecting payouts.
The poker-playing couple don't have a permanent home. Instead, they've turned life on the road into a never-ending adventure, traveling the world, exploring new places and, of course, playing plenty of poker along the way.
They share their experiences on the Ari & Jo Show, giving viewers a glimpse of a lifestyle most poker players can only dream about.
And there's one destination they've developed a particular fondness for: Panama.
The couple's two previous visits have brought success at the tables.
Engel added to his incredible record by finishing third in the WSOP Circuit Main Event during their first visit in 2025, and Kim followed with a 14th-place finish earlier this year. Now they're preparing to return to the WSOP Circuit Panama for a third time in November.
PokerOrg caught up with them to find out what makes Panama such an enjoyable stop – and how they've turned their love of the game into an extraordinary lifestyle.
Poker is only part of the appeal
You've both enjoyed deep Main Event runs in Panama. What makes it such a fun stop on the WSOP Circuit?
Ari: We have had some really good experiences in Panama, and there are new reasons to go back, too.
On our past two trips, Jo and I each went deep in the Main Event. On the first trip, I went deep; on the second, earlier this year, Jo did. We really enjoyed Panama, and it wasn't just for the poker.
What else did you like about it?
Ari: It's a nice place, and it's safe. There are lots of good restaurants, places to walk around, coffee shops and stuff. This will be our third trip there, I think that says it all. We keep going back. We love it.
Jo: It’s probably one of the first poker stops where we actually did tourist things – we ventured out, we looked around Old Town, we went by where the cargo ships are at the Panama Canal.
Ari: Also it's crazy how cheap Uber is there for getting around town. It's like $3 to go 20 minutes.
Big fields, deep runs and plenty of PLO
What stands out about the poker in Panama?
Ari: It’s a nice, comfortable poker environment, plenty of tournaments and some PLO stuff, because I like the mixed-games alternatives to no-limit hold’em.
I especially enjoyed the fact that they had nighttime turbos, hyper turbos, and stuff like that. I really like when venues do that with more options. More stops should do these kinds of events.
Jo, you finished 14th in the Main Event this past May. How did that run come about?
Jo: Ari was encouraging me to sell action. It was the first time I did that. I wasn't even sure I was going to play because we were working on the Ari & Jo Show. I was doing a lot of editing while traveling, and wasn't playing much at the time.
But then I got the itch to play. I was like, you know what? I'm just going to do it.
The field had a big mix of different types of players. There were some really good players, but not too many. Perhaps maybe one at a table, or every other table, something like that.
It felt really easy to navigate the mix. I had a lot of fun. And the structure was great for me. I like the slow structures.
They also always bring in some guests. This time it was WSOP Europe Main Event champion Annette Obrestad. I spent two days playing with her, and that was great as well.
You had a rail supporting you. How much did that help?
Jo: Yeah, it was great. Some friends were sweating in the Panama deep run because they bought a piece. As it got down to the final two tables, it started getting a little tougher, but still manageable.
Then, you know, the cards didn't come my way. But I had a really great time. I thought the event was really well structured.
Kosher food, hot sauce and shirtless massages
What's one of the things outside poker that makes you want to go back?
Jo: We're looking forward to going back this time because there are more food options that cater to us. We just started eating kosher, and there are actually a ton of kosher restaurants there. Even at the venue, they offered kosher food.
Ari: It's one of the most kosher-friendly places. We want to hang out, eat and drink, and explore their food in Panama. We always try not to eat American-style food when we are overseas. It's really fun trying all these different cuisines.
Jo: We’re not like Alan Kessler; let’s just say that [laughs]. When we wake up, we ask ChatGPT for all these recommendations. Then we pick one.
Sometimes we'll flip for it, because we can't decide where to go. We will also ask people for recommendations.
Ari: We're always looking forward to where we are going to be eating. I think most people would really like the food there.
Jo: We like the hot sauces. Habanero is the best. If you like spicy food, you won't be disappointed.
Ari: Plus, the weather in Panama is great, I think it's like high 70s and low 80s, if I'm remembering right. It's definitely a really nice change of pace from some of the Northeast or Midwest venues and winter weather.
Any particularly memorable moments from the poker tables?
Jo: There is one thing. When all the guys get massages at the tables, they take their shirts off. I don't know about that [laughs]. Maybe the massage therapists ask them to take their shirts off, but I've never seen anything like that.
Ari: It's not like it's just one person, it's dozens of players.
You're constantly on the road. Do you ever miss having somewhere to call home?
Ari: It’s true, we don't have a home. Panama will be our home for nine or 10 days. This isn't a kind of life most people can do at all, but we love it.
The WSOP Circuit Panama series runs November 5-15 at the Sortis Hotel Spa and Casino in Panama City, Panama. Find out everything you need to know below.
