Max Pescatori

Max Pescatori was born in 1971 in Milan, Italy. He developed a passion for poker and horse racing early on, often bringing a smile to the tables. Pescatori is known for his pirate-themed attire, which earned him the nickname "The Italian Pirate." He is a regular on the poker tournament scene and has frequently placed high in Card Player Magazine's Player of the Year Race.

Pescatori's most notable achievements have come at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). In 2005, he made six money finishes at the WSOP, showcasing his consistency. He won his first WSOP bracelet in 2006 in the $2,500 No-Limit Hold'em event, defeating Anthony Reategui with a river straight. His hand of J♣8♣ hit a straight on the river to defeat Reategui's Q♣T♦ on a board of T♣7♦6♥K♥9♦.

At the 2008 WSOP, Pescatori added a second bracelet by winning the pot-limit half Texas hold'em, half Omaha event, earning $246,471. Over the years, he has accumulated numerous WSOP in-the-money finishes and final tables.

Beyond the WSOP, Pescatori has cashed in over 300 live tournaments worldwide, with total live earnings exceeding $4.9 million. He has made deep runs in events like Festa Al Lago and the National Championships of Poker. His latest recorded cash as of mid-2026 was $5,318. He is a fixture at European Poker Tour stops and other major festivals.

Pescatori has also contributed to poker literature, co-authoring two of the only poker books originally written in Italian, sharing his strategies and insights.

Pescatori is known for a solid and patient playing style, excelling in deep-stacked structures. He emphasizes positional advantage and hand reading, often exploiting opponents' weaknesses at final tables. His pirate nickname reflects an aggressive and unpredictable side, matched by his distinctive pirate hats and costumes. He is active on social media, engaging with fellow players and fans.

Max Pescatori is regarded as a pioneer of Italian poker, inspiring a generation of players from his country. His multiple bracelets and consistent results place him among Europe's most accomplished tournament grinders. He remains active, with recent cashes in 2025 and 2026, continuing to compete at a high level.

As of mid-2026, Pescatori's total live tournament earnings exceeded $4.9 million, with over 300 cashes. His most recent cash at the time was $5,318 on 27 June 2026, shortly followed by a $17,500 cash on 2 July 2026. He continues to be a regular on the tournament circuit, adding to his impressive tally of in-the-money finishes.

Away from the tables, Pescatori is a known lover of horse racing and often brings a smile to the poker community. He is active on Twitter, engaging with fans and fellow players, and has been known to share humorous and supportive messages. His pirate-themed persona remains a hallmark of his public image, making him one of the most recognizable figures in Italian poker.