Max Pescatori

  Not since the Romans were running around in metal hats and spears has an Italian so aggressively assaulted, well, anything. Okay, that last statement is dripping with hyperbole, but it does not take away from the fact that Max Pescatori is cutting a swath through the sport of poker.  The “Italian Pirate” as he is called, mainly because of his trademark headscarf, is a native of Milan who, for the last decade has called Las Vegas his home. Early in his career Max was a specialist at seven card stud, until a friend steered him in the direction of Texas Hold'em. This is not where the education of Max Pescatori started though.  Valter Farina, the only Italian to win a World Series of Poker bracelet took the youngster under his wing, and taught him the ins and outs of professional poker. Max took this advice and ran with it, going pro in 1999. Soon after this he met Evelyn Ng, and the two became fast friends.   In 2001 Max earned the opportunity to play at the WSOP tournament in Aruba. Just before he left though, he had the good fortune of being introduced to Jennifer Harmon. The two clicked quickly and struck up a friendship. Jennifer was more accomplished than Pescatori and started to show him the ropes of tournament poker. He would often sit behind Jen, who would show him her cards as she played. Under her mentorship the young player flourished.  2005 was a big year for the Milan native. Along with some high profile finishes he almost became the second Italian to win a WSOP bracelet. His game has grown very quickly and Max is a threat to win in every tournament he enters. It probably wont be long before he joins Valtar Farina as a winner of WSOP gold.Article of the Day Archive