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Michele Nizzardelli is an Italian professional poker player and a fixture of the European tournament circuit. Based in Italy, Nizzardelli has carved out a reputation as a high-volume “grinder” with a significant presence in major series across the Czech Republic, Malta, and Albania. Known for his aggressive tournament play and competitive intensity, he has become a regular name on the leaderboard of the Italian Poker Sport (IPS) and Eureka Poker Tour. As of 2026, he continues to build his legacy as one of the most active mid-stakes competitors from Italy, consistently contending for titles in the world’s most iconic card rooms.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Michele Nizzardelli has total live earnings exceeding $91,200. His career-best performance came in December 2023 at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague, where he finished 9th in the €2,200 Eureka High Roller for a score of $46,616. This deep run cemented his status as a high-stakes threat among Europe’s elite.
In 2026, Nizzardelli has maintained his momentum with several deep runs:
- King’s Million (March 2026): Secured a cash in the €250 No Limit Hold’em event at King’s Resort, Rozvadov.
- Eagle Mystery & Million Series (November 2025): Finished 15th in the €1,100 High Roller in Tirana for $2,340.
- Battle of Malta (October 2025): Placed 306th in the massive Main Event field, adding to his consistent record in Malta.
- WSOP Europe: Nizzardelli is a regular participant in WSOPE events, notably finishing 78th in the 2024 Colossus bracelet event.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | EPT Prague €2,200 Eureka High Roller (9th) | $46,616 |
| 2022 | EPT Barcelona €1,100 Estrellas Main Event (218th) | $5,505 |
| 2021 | WSOP Europe €550 No Limit Hold’em Colossus (113th) | $1,496 |
| 2026 | King’s Million €250 No Limit Hold’em (734th) | $290 |
Biography & Poker Background
Michele Nizzardelli began his journey into the live tournament scene in the early 2010s, with his first recorded cashes dating back to the Italian Poker Tour (IPT) in 2013. He belongs to a generation of Italian players who have embraced a “borderless” approach to the game, traveling extensively to major European hubs like Rozvadov and St. Julian’s.
Nizzardelli is known as much for his competitive spirit as for his technical skill. While his career has seen several major final tables, he gained international headlines in late 2023 following a high-profile disqualification at EPT Prague. Despite this moment of controversy, Nizzardelli has remained focused on his professional growth, returning to the circuit in 2025 and 2026 with a disciplined approach and a renewed focus on closing out major titles.
Play Style & Strategy
Nizzardelli is best described as a “Volume-Driven Aggressor.” His strategy relies on a high frequency of play, which provides him with a vast “live” data set of opponent tendencies across the mid-stakes European pool. He excels in No Limit Hold’em Turbo and High Roller formats, where the blind structures favor his ability to apply pressure and make decisive, high-equity moves.
Key components of his 2026 strategy include:
- Range Polarizing: Applying pressure on mid-range stacks during the “bubble” phases of large-field events like the Battle of Malta.
- Adaptive Aggression: Tuning his play style to counter the “solver-heavy” approach of younger European pros, often opting for more exploitative, live-read based plays.
- Stamina: His history of playing multi-week series at King’s Resort highlights a level of physical and mental endurance that is essential for modern tournament circuit success.
