After speaking with Gennaro Proscia and Alessandro Orsi, Alessio Albore and Michele Guerrini, we close this small round of interviews with Mario Perati, a veteran of the poker scene with two decades of experience under his belt.
Fresh off his victory at the WSOP Circuit Main Event in Sanremo, Mario reflects on his career, the future of poker, and the introduction of the EPO Mystery Bounty, which will debut later this month in Rozvadov.
IPO’s big brother
When asked about the new EPO Mystery Bounty, Mario’s enthusiasm is evident:
“I’m really happy about this ‘big brother’ version because it means the Italian Poker Open is taking on a more international flavour. It’s a fantastic tournament. I’ve looked at the structure, and it seems excellent. Plus, the €100,000 top bounty is very enticing, and I think many players will take it very seriously.”
After Sanremo: A Career Highlight
Winning the WSOP Circuit Main Event would mark a major turning point for many players. But for Mario, the victory, while significant, hasn’t altered his trajectory:
“I’ve been a professional for 20 years, so without wanting to sound arrogant, it’s not a figure that changes my life plans. That said, it’s always nice to land a result like this, especially for someone like me who isn’t primarily a tournament player. This was my biggest live achievement.”
Winning in Sanremo had more than just financial significance for Mario:
“The victory had symbolic value because it happened in Sanremo, which has always been my home casino. It was incredibly satisfying to win there.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about what lies ahead, Mario shares a grounded perspective:
“I’ll continue playing my cash games and the occasional tournament. However, in recent years, I’ve devoted more and more time to my family, especially since I have two daughters who need the right attention.
Winning in Sanremo doesn’t change my daily routine, but it remains one of the most beautiful moments of my career as a tournament player.”
With the EPO Mystery Bounty on the horizon and his Sanremo victory fresh in memory, Mario continues to approach poker with the same passion and pragmatism that have defined his two-decade career.
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