Online Poker

Max Pescatori, from Milan, Italy, could not have picked a better day to be at a World Series of Poker final table. For inspiration, his home country's football team was playing in the World Cup final and boy did it help him find the determination to win.

“I have been playing poker for a very long time,” Pescatori said afterward.

“I have won other big tournaments including a few on the WSOP Circuit -- but never at the World Series of Poker. To win this bracelet for me is very special, especially on the same day that my Italy won.”

After 1,281 players were eliminated during the first two days of tournament play, Pescatori arrived at the final table ranked third in the chip count. The early chip leader was Anthony Reategui, fittingly one of two former WSOP gold bracelet winners of the final nine.

Superstar Internet pro Terrence Chan arrived second. Colorful poker personality Mike “the Mouth” Matusow (with two gold bracelets) started Day Three in the middle of the pack.

“Nothing can beat this. For me, this is incredible,” Pescatori said.

“I told all my friends that they have to watch for Italy to win (the World Cup) and then afterward to cheer for me on the Internet to win here at the World Series. This is the greatest day of my life.”

Well done Max!