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Mustapha Kanit is an Italian professional poker player and the undisputed leader of Italy’s all-time money list. Known for his charismatic table presence and explosive tournament results, Kanit has transitioned from an online “end boss” to one of the most respected high-stakes crushers on the global circuit, boasting multiple EPT titles and a historic runner-up finish in the WSOP Paradise High Roller.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings surpassing $18,183,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Kanit holds the #1 spot on Italy’s All-Time Money List. His career-best live score of $3,600,000 came from a 3rd-place finish in the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise Super Main Event. In 2025, he nearly secured his first gold bracelet with a 2nd-place finish in the WSOP Paradise $50,000 High Roller Turbo for $1,215,000. A frequent finalist on the Triton Poker Series , he recorded a notable 39th-place finish in the 2025 Jeju Main Event for $157,000. These elite scores, combined with over $7 million in online earnings, contribute to an estimated poker net worth of over $15 million.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in 1991 in Alessandria, Italy, and currently residing in Vienna, Austria, Kanit’s rise to the top is a classic “grinder” story. He began playing in local Italian card rooms before the age of 18, eventually moving online where he became a legendary figure under the handle “lasagnaammm.” On PokerStars, he famously won the 2015 SCOOP Main Event for $1.3 million and the Sunday Million in 2016. Known for his infectious energy and sense of humor, Kanit is a key member of the elite “Team Winamax” and is widely considered an ambassador for the game in Southern Europe. His transition from a small-stakes local player to a global High Roller regular is cited as a major inspiration for the Italian poker community.
Play Style & Strategy
Kanit is renowned for an “unpredictable, hyper-aggressive, and highly exploitative” play style. While he is a master of modern GTO (Game Theory Optimal) mechanics—often seen studying with the world’s best in Vienna—his true edge lies in his ability to “feel” the table dynamics. He is famous for his unconventional “speech play,” using humor and constant engagement to disarm opponents and extract information. His strategy involves a wide range of opening hands and a fearless approach to post-flop aggression, making him one of the hardest players to “pigeonhole” in high-stakes fields. This adaptability makes him equally dangerous at a WSOP final table as he is in the high-pressure environment of the Triton Poker Series.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Mustapha Kanit’s high-stakes journey and get a taste of his infectious personality? You can do so here:
Video Highlights:
Watch Mustapha Kanit’s strategic depth in action during the 2023 World Series of Poker:
