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Jean Paul Pasqualini is a seasoned French professional poker player who has been a prominent figure in the European poker scene for two decades. Originally from Corsica and often nicknamed “El Korsico,” he is recognized as one of the most successful players to come out of France. Before he was competing for million-dollar prizes, Pasqualini was a passionate competitor in local French card rooms, bringing a sharp mental game and deep patience to the table. As a major champion on the European circuit, he helped bring international attention to French poker during its massive growth in the late 2000s.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Jean Paul Pasqualini has total live earnings of nearly $3.8 million. He currently sits at 24th on the France All Time Money List. His career reached a historic peak in 2009 when he won the Partouche Poker Tour Grand Final in Cannes for a career-best score of €1,000,000 (∼$1,429,796).
Pasqualini is a consistent performer with results across the world’s biggest tours. His major titles and scores include a victory in an EPT London side event for $141,453 and a 2nd place finish in the WPT Mazagan Main Event for $156,052. In 2025, he remained a force on the circuit by finishing 3rd in the WSOP International Circuit Sanremo Colossus for $28,285 and winning a Unibet Deepstack Open (UDSO) side event for $16,273. His 2026 campaign has started strong with a 3rd place finish in the Circus Paris Mystery (CPM) Main Event for $23,215.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in 1960 and raised in Corsica, Jean Paul Pasqualini is a true veteran of the game. He spent much of his early life in the Mediterranean before the poker world became his primary focus in the mid-2000s. He earned his nickname “El Korsico” as a nod to his heritage and his early days playing in the card rooms of his home region. His breakout year came in 2009, when he went from a local hero to an international star overnight after his massive million-euro win in Cannes. Despite having faced some controversy in his career regarding his playing history, he has remained an active and visible player in the French community. He is often seen competing at the Club Circus in Paris and throughout the European Poker Tour, maintaining a professional presence for over 20 years.
Play Style & Strategy
Pasqualini is best known for his patient and observational style of play. As an “old school” professional, he relies heavily on his ability to read his opponents and understand the psychology of the table. In his major tournament wins, observers noted that he is a master of pot control and knows exactly when to wait for the right moment to make a move. He often uses a “tight-aggressive” approach, playing fewer hands but playing them very strongly to put pressure on his rivals. While younger players may rely on computer data, Pasqualini uses his decades of experience to navigate deep fields. He is a very calm and focused person at the table, rarely showing emotion whether he is winning or losing. This steady mindset is what has allowed him to stay competitive in the high-stakes world for so long.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to keep up with Jean-Paul “El Korsico” Pasqualini as he competes in the biggest events across France and Europe in 2026? You can follow his career and see his latest results through these links:
