Tribute to José Rivera Campos: A Legacy in Sports Photography
Remembering Chepito’s remarkable work in capturing Costa Rica’s historic ‘snow game’
José Rivera Campos, affectionately known as Chepito, passed away on March 19, 2025, just days before the twelfth anniversary of Costa Rica's pivotal 2014 World Cup qualifying match played in extreme weather conditions in Denver, Colorado.
This match, often referred to as the ‘snow game’, was a challenging encounter against the United States, which Costa Rica lost 1-0 amidst harsh snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.
Chepito was part of a small team that included Juan José Herrera from La Nación and Hermes Solano from the now-defunct Al Día, tasked with documenting the match under particularly brutal conditions.
His photographs from that day have become iconic, representing a defining moment in Costa Rican soccer history and showcasing his skill despite the adversities he faced.
At the time of the match, the Costa Rican national team was rallying to secure a place in the World Cup, a journey that was greatly influenced by this challenging game.
Team morale was notably united, leading them to ultimately finish second in the hexagonal standings, just behind the United States.
Marvin Caravaca, who served as the head of photography for Grupo Nación at that time, described the event as one of the most significant challenges the photography department encountered, highlighting the steep learning curve involved for the photographers who were unaccustomed to shooting in snowy conditions.
Manual focus and a keen eye were essential for success, and Chepito was instrumental in overcoming these obstacles through his expertise.
Many of his photos from the game did not come out as intended due to the weather, yet Chepito’s perseverance resulted in vital captures, including a sought-after image of referee Joel Aguilar, who was under scrutiny for allowing the match to proceed despite severe conditions.
Beyond the match, Chepito's career was filled with passion for photography, where he famously captured everyday life and sports events through a lens that brought clarity and emotion to his work.
His daughter, Diana Rivera, emphasized his contributions to journalism through his unique perspective, and she expressed a desire to see a collection of his most celebrated photographs.
Memories of Chepito also include personal anecdotes shared by friends and colleagues.
Manuel Vega, a longtime friend, reminisced about Chepito’s love for coffee and his distinctive way of navigating culinary experiences, showcasing his personable nature.
Chepito was well-respected among his peers as a dedicated and fearless photographer.
José Rivera Campos was 67 at the time of his passing, leaving a legacy marked by his distinctive contributions to Costa Rican sports photography and a reputation that resonated across the journalistic community.
His contributions will continue to be celebrated through his lasting images and the stories of those who knew him.
This match, often referred to as the ‘snow game’, was a challenging encounter against the United States, which Costa Rica lost 1-0 amidst harsh snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.
Chepito was part of a small team that included Juan José Herrera from La Nación and Hermes Solano from the now-defunct Al Día, tasked with documenting the match under particularly brutal conditions.
His photographs from that day have become iconic, representing a defining moment in Costa Rican soccer history and showcasing his skill despite the adversities he faced.
At the time of the match, the Costa Rican national team was rallying to secure a place in the World Cup, a journey that was greatly influenced by this challenging game.
Team morale was notably united, leading them to ultimately finish second in the hexagonal standings, just behind the United States.
Marvin Caravaca, who served as the head of photography for Grupo Nación at that time, described the event as one of the most significant challenges the photography department encountered, highlighting the steep learning curve involved for the photographers who were unaccustomed to shooting in snowy conditions.
Manual focus and a keen eye were essential for success, and Chepito was instrumental in overcoming these obstacles through his expertise.
Many of his photos from the game did not come out as intended due to the weather, yet Chepito’s perseverance resulted in vital captures, including a sought-after image of referee Joel Aguilar, who was under scrutiny for allowing the match to proceed despite severe conditions.
Beyond the match, Chepito's career was filled with passion for photography, where he famously captured everyday life and sports events through a lens that brought clarity and emotion to his work.
His daughter, Diana Rivera, emphasized his contributions to journalism through his unique perspective, and she expressed a desire to see a collection of his most celebrated photographs.
Memories of Chepito also include personal anecdotes shared by friends and colleagues.
Manuel Vega, a longtime friend, reminisced about Chepito’s love for coffee and his distinctive way of navigating culinary experiences, showcasing his personable nature.
Chepito was well-respected among his peers as a dedicated and fearless photographer.
José Rivera Campos was 67 at the time of his passing, leaving a legacy marked by his distinctive contributions to Costa Rican sports photography and a reputation that resonated across the journalistic community.
His contributions will continue to be celebrated through his lasting images and the stories of those who knew him.
