Bodog.com Foosball Player Wins Medal

Costa Rica native and Bodog-sponsored Carlos Cespedes Martinez cemented his place as one of the globe's top table soccer players earlier this month by capturing a silver medal at the 2005 World Foosball Championships near Dallas.

Martinez, 38, also claimed third place in Mixed Doubles with teammate Tommie Bagley of Colorado.

"Foosball is a sport about demonstrating and not talking, and people or friends who watch you play will be in charge of letting the others know your ability," said Martinez, who has five children – three daughters, two sons; all involved in foosball.

Sponsored by Bodog at this prestigious event held at the Hyatt Regency DFW, Martinez played in Mixed Doubles, Semi-Pro, Open Doubles and DYP (Draw Your Partner). In the Semi-Pro men's gold-medal match on Sept. 5, he lost to Colorado's Stephen Steighner.

Martinez said he felt he had the championship in his hands, but when the stress, pressure and other conditions of the competition began to eat at him, he lost some confidence. As a result, many of his shots suffered.

Still, Martinez said the overall experience was extremely thrilling and that he was happy he gave it his best effort.

In the Mixed Doubles semifinals, Martinez and Bagley, who met at last year's world championships, relinquished a three-goal lead and were relegated to the bronze-medal match. They regrouped to wín third place in the co-ed competition, and a tidy cash prize.

"We are excited to be backing Carlos. For most of us, foosball is a fun pastime but when you see it played at its highest level – as Carlos plays it – you gain a higher appreciation for the game," Bodog Founder & CEO Calvin Ayre said. "Now that I'm living in Costa Rica, I can see first-hand how excited people are for Carlos, who took on the best in the world and beat all but one. He's a true local hero."

Martinez, the winner of a 2003 World Championship of Foosball division title, took up foosball in a little neighborhood store in his hometown of Heredia when he was 13. After playing every day for four years, he became highly adept at the table game. He started playing in tournaments 10 years ago and now is the second-best Semi-Pro foosball player in the world.