Our series of interviews kicks off two weeks before the start of the EPO 2024—European Poker Open, which will debut in Rozvadov from December 18th to 23rd. We begin with Gennaro Proscia, the latest Italian player to raise a EuroRounders trophy. He secured it on November 19th after dominating the final table of the Pirates’ Mystery Bounty.
Why start with him? In many ways, the EPO Main Event can be seen as the older sibling of the tournament won by the Apulian grinder: a nearly tripled buy-in, the same Mystery Bounty format, and a structure inspired by the classic IPO, widely appreciated even beyond national borders.
A luxury “occasional” player
By definition, Gennaro is an occasional player in live poker tournaments. He participates sporadically, as his main focus is online poker.
“I’m not crazy about live poker, to be honest,” Gennaro admits. “I enjoy playing, but only in small doses. Occasionally, I’ll join a trip to Europe with friends, and in the summer, I’ve been going to Las Vegas for years because I like it. No cash games for me, I only play tournaments. Live poker is a way to disconnect from the online grind. It relaxes me.”
The New Wave
Today, we’re talking about Mystery Bounty, the format that has taken the poker world by storm in recent years. Tomorrow, it might be a different format altogether. Innovations inevitably divide opinions—there will always be a group of enthusiasts and sceptics. However, what truly matters, as Gennaro Proscia points out, is that the game continues to grow:
“Mystery Bounties? I’m open to new formats. Anything that attracts recreational players is good for the environment. Sure, formats like this increase variance in certain spots, but it’s up to players to adapt to these new dynamics. It’s a fun and interesting format to explore. And let’s be honest, even if you don’t hit the Top Bounty, winning the tournament doesn’t exactly suck…”
How Hard Is It to Make a Living from Poker in 2024?
While exciting formats like Mystery Bounties inevitably increase variance, the reality is that making a living (and doing it well) from poker in 2024 is reserved for a select few.
“The average field, especially online, is much stronger than a decade ago. Today, even a 20-year-old who just started playing a few months ago knows the fundamental dynamics, uses the correct bet sizes, and plays the right ranges."
Gennaro, though, points out that technical skills alone aren’t enough: “It’s one thing to follow a chart; it’s another to understand game dynamics and adapt to the situation. In this sense, I believe talent still makes a difference, especially in live tournaments, where thinking outside the box is often the rule.”
Adaptability Is Key
There are moments in the game where avoiding unnecessary high-variance spots can be the key to success. Gennaro recalls an important hand during the Final Day of the Pirates’ Mystery Bounty:
“I flatted a 3-bet with A-K and 40x effective instead of 4-bet shoving, simply because I realized it wasn’t worth clashing preflop with that specific opponent at that moment.”
For Gennaro, studying is essential, but experience sets players apart in critical moments: “I’m not saying you should play on instinct, but in those decisive moments, a mix of experience and the ability to break out of standard play is what makes the difference.”
Reflecting on his career, Gennaro compares the current poker landscape to when he started over ten years ago:
“When I began at 20 years old, talent mattered more than study. Today, it’s different. There are schools, solvers, and even a beginner knows the basics from day one. It’s tough to stay competitive online without studying. Everyone is more prepared; even young players can give you a run for your money.”
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