Mustapha Kanit

Mustapha Kanit was born on 24 January 1991 in Alessandria, Italy. He began playing poker as a teenager, participating in live tournaments at private clubs. To support himself, he worked at these clubs as a bartender and dealer, which allowed him to learn the game from experienced players. He later moved to London, United Kingdom, and currently resides in Vienna, Austria. His online poker alias on PokerStars was "lasagnaaammm", a reference to his love for Italian cuisine.

Kanit first gained recognition in the online poker world under the nickname "lasagnaaammm". He established himself as a formidable player in high-stakes games, known for his aggressive style and sharp hand reading. In 2015, he won the $10,300 SCOOP High Main Event on PokerStars for more than $1.3 million. The following year, on 13 March 2016, he won the PokerStars Sunday Million, a $215 tournament that attracted a massive field, adding a six-figure sum to his bankroll. His online success translated seamlessly to live tournaments, and he continues to play both formats.

Kanit's live tournament career began with a victory in the 2011 WPT Madrid Grand Final, which put him on the map. He then achieved a series of high-profile results in Europe and beyond. In May 2015, he won the €50,000 Super High Roller at EPT Monte Carlo for $1,048,243, followed by a victory in the €10,000 High Roller at EPT Barcelona in August 2015 for $834,303. The next year, he finished second in the €100,000 Super High Roller at EPT Monte Carlo for $1,653,491 and won the €10,000 High Roller at EPT Dublin in February 2016. In January 2017, he placed runner-up in the $50,000 No-Limit Hold'em High Roller at the PokerStars Championship Bahamas for $695,740, and in February 2018 he finished second in the partypoker MILLIONS Germany Super High Roller for $612,422.

At the World Series of Poker, Kanit has made three final tables and nine money finishes, but has not yet won a bracelet. His best WSOP results include a third-place finish in a 2015 WSOP Europe event. In 2024, he achieved his largest single cash to date: $3,600,000 for third place in the $25,000 WSOP Super Main Event at WSOP Paradise. He also finished second in the $50,000 High Roller Turbo at WSOP Paradise in 2025 for $1,215,000.

As of 2025, Kanit's total live tournament earnings exceed $16.4 million, ranking him among the top Italian players of all time. He has overtaken Max Pescatori on the Italian all-time money list and is currently second behind Dario Sammartino.

• 1st: WPT Madrid Grand Final (2011)
• 1st: $10,300 SCOOP High Main Event (2015) – $1,300,000+
• 1st: €50,000 Super High Roller, EPT Monte Carlo (May 2015) – $1,048,243
• 1st: €10,000 High Roller, EPT Barcelona (Aug 2015) – $834,303
• 2nd: €100,000 Super High Roller, EPT Monte Carlo (Apr 2016) – $1,653,491
• 1st: €10,000 High Roller, EPT Dublin (Feb 2016)
• 1st: $215 Sunday Million (Mar 2016)
• 2nd: $50,000 High Roller, PokerStars Championship Bahamas (Jan 2017) – $695,740
• 2nd: Super High Roller, partypoker MILLIONS Germany (Feb 2018) – $612,422
• 3rd: $25,000 WSOP Super Main Event, WSOP Paradise (2024) – $3,600,000
• 2nd: $50,000 High Roller Turbo, WSOP Paradise (2025) – $1,215,000

Kanit is renowned for an aggressive playing style characterized by frequent raises and re-raises, particularly from early position. He effectively uses continuation bets and bluffs to pressure opponents, even when holding marginal hands. His aggressive approach is balanced by precise hand reading and the ability to adjust to tighter strategies when necessary. This style has earned him both success and a reputation as a dangerous opponent.

Off the table, Kanit is known as the "Italian Bad Boy" due to his outspoken personality on social media and occasional emotional displays at the table. Despite his fiery demeanor, his poker skills are widely respected. His love for Italian food is reflected in his online alias "lasagnaaammm". He has also represented Italy in team events such as the Global Poker League.

Kanit continues to compete at the highest levels. In 2023 and 2024, he cashed in multiple WSOP events, including deep runs in the WPT World Championship, EPT Monte Carlo Main Event, and various high rollers. His 2024 third-place finish at WSOP Paradise was a career highlight. In 2025, he added another million-dollar score with a runner-up finish in a high roller turbo. His consistent presence in major tournaments underscores his enduring skill.