Luca Pagano
Childhood
Pagano grew up in Preganziol, Italy. He pursued higher education at the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, focusing on information science. His academic background in information technology and managerial skills later contributed to his effective management of his family’s nightlife business before fully committing to poker.
Career
Pagano’s passion for poker ignited during a trip to Slovenia, where he played at the Casino of Nova Gorica. He turned professional in 2004, marking his breakthrough by finishing third at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona Open. Over the years, Pagano has reached seven EPT final tables and made 20 money finishes, holding the top position on the EPT All-Time Leaderboard with 5,500 points.
His career highlights include being named EPT Player of the Year in 2008 and accumulating over $2.2 million in live tournament winnings by 2017. Although he never secured a first-place finish in an EPT event, his consistent high placements demonstrate his skill and perseverance.
Pagano was a Team PokerStars PRO member for nearly 15 years, serving as a prominent Italian ambassador for the brand until their amicable separation in 2017. Beyond poker, he has diversified his career as an entrepreneur, angel investor, TV commentator, and host of the Italian poker talent and reality show La Casa degli Assi, sponsored by PokerStars.
In 2016, Pagano expanded into the eSports industry, co-founding the Italian professional eSports team QLASH. The team has gained recognition in various gaming titles and established the QLASH House in Treviso, fostering professional gaming talent.
Revenue
Pagano’s total live tournament earnings exceed $2,200,000 as of 2017. His largest single cash prize was $533,253 for a sixth-place finish at the 2008 EPT Grand Final in Monte Carlo. He also won €210,000 at the Italian Poker Tour Sanremo event in 2011 and secured a €220,000 victory at the 2010 All Stars of Poker in Nova Gorica.
Interesting facts
Pagano holds the record for the most in-the-money finishes in Italian poker history.
He co-hosted Poker1Mania, Italy’s first TV show dedicated to professional poker, which aired from 2007 to 2013 on public television.
His transition from poker to eSports entrepreneurship marks a unique crossover between traditional and digital competitive gaming.
Legacy
Luca Pagano’s legacy lies in his consistent high-level performance and his role in popularizing poker in Italy. His presence on television and in the eSports arena has broadened the appeal of competitive gaming beyond traditional audiences. Pagano remains a respected figure for his professionalism and contributions to the poker community.
Frequently asked Questions
His highest achievement in the European Poker Tour is a third-place finish at the 2004 Barcelona Open. He was also awarded EPT Player of the Year in 2008 and holds the record for most EPT money finishes by an Italian player.
No, Pagano has not won a WSOP bracelet. His best WSOP finish was 40th place in the $1,500 Seven Card Stud event in 2006.
Apart from poker, Pagano is an entrepreneur, angel investor, TV commentator, and co-owner of the professional eSports team QLASH. He has also hosted poker-related television shows and organized poker events in Italy.
As of 2017, his total live tournament winnings exceed $2.2 million, making him one of Italy’s most successful poker players by earnings.
