A Review of Vince Burgio’s Memoir: Pizza, Pasta, and Poker
If you have been around the poker world for a while, you know that the best stories often happen away from the bright lights of the TV tables. Some of the most colorful characters in the game come from the era before the “Poker Boom.” One of those legends is Vince Burgio.
Who is the “Andy Rooney of Poker”?
Vince Burgio is more than just a talented card player; he is a master storyteller. Known for years as the “Andy Rooney of Poker,” he wrote a popular column for CardPlayer Magazine. His writing was always filled with humor and a deep love for the human side of the game.
Vince’s career highlights are impressive. In 1994, he became a WSOP bracelet winner by taking down the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo event. That same year, he finished 4th in the WSOP Main Event. With over $2.25 million in lifetime earnings, he has proven his skills across many decades.
At 90 years old, Vince is still active in the poker scene. He even made a deep run in the 2025 WSOP Seniors Event! Recently, the poker community has revisited his 2005 autobiography, Vince Burgio Pizza Pasta and Poker. It is a book that captures a side of gambling history that is rarely seen today.
We went to check in on our “Oldest Senior in the Money” and got the bad news.
Vincent Burgio out of the $1,000 Seniors NLH Championship event in 165th place for $4,738!
GG Vince!#WSOP2025 pic.twitter.com/QEwJlajltJ
— WSOP – World Series of Poker (@WSOP) June 19, 2025
Inside Vince Burgio Pizza Pasta and Poker
The title of the book is actually a clever nod to former Senator Al D’Amato’s autobiography, Pizza, Pasta, and Politics. In his own version, Vince Burgio Pizza Pasta and Poker takes readers through his upbringing in Kansas City. He learned the game in his father’s bar and later refined his skills while serving in the military.
The poker memoir really shines when Vince describes the early days of the poker scenes in Seattle and Southern California. These were the days before live updates and internet streams. He shares rare, personal stories about other legends like John Bonetti, Robert Turner, and even a young Phil Ivey.
Reading Vince Burgio Pizza Pasta and Poker feels like sitting down at a table with an old friend. He doesn’t just talk about strategy; he talks about life. He covers the highs of winning major titles and the simple joy of putting up Christmas decorations with his family.
Why This Book Matters for Poker History
For fans of poker history, this book is a treasure trove. It preserves “lost” hands and games from a time when poker was a smaller, more intimate community. It reminds us that while the math and tools of the game change, the people remain the most interesting part.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Title | Pizza, Pasta, and Poker: The Private & Public Life of a Professional Poker Player |
| Author | Vince Burgio |
| WSOP Success | 1994 Bracelet Winner & 4th in the Main Event |
| Total Earnings | Over $2.25 Million |
| Core Themes | Family, Italian-American heritage, and Pro Poker Life |
Final Thoughts for the Modern Player
If you are looking for a technical manual on GTO strategy , this isn’t it. However, if you want to understand the heart of the game, you need to read it. Why Vince Burgio Pizza Pasta and Poker stays relevant is simple: it focuses on the fun.
Vince shows us that longevity in poker comes from balance. He has spent over 50 years at the tables while keeping his sense of humor and his family first. Whether you are a casual player or a pro, his stories will make you laugh and perhaps teach you a thing or two about staying power.
Finding a physical copy of Vince Burgio Pizza Pasta and Poker can be a bit of a challenge today, as it was self-published. But if you can track one down in a used bookstore or online, it is well worth the effort. It is a classic piece of poker literature that every fan should experience.
Playing poker is not just about the money. You need focus, skills, strategy, and a lot more, but first of all, fun. Register at any of our recommended poker sites to enter the world of poker or experience something new if you are already a player.
Via pokernews.com
