Event 23: Italian Invasion

$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)

Aldo Adds Flair

One of the more colorful characters we've seen at the Borgata Spring Poker Open is Aldo Antonacci who resides in New York City, but is originally from Abruzzi, Italy. He's a businessman who's come to the U.S. to play against the world's "best players," after posting decent European results.

"I came here to play in the country were poker was invented," says Antonacci, who just flopped a straight while holding ace-king to double-up to 100k (this while his opponent held JJ and flopped a set). "There are a lot of young players here and I know I can learn a lot."

Antonacci lists fellow Italian Filippo Candio, who was a November Nine finalist at the 2010 WSOP Main Event, as a friend or at least someone he's friendly with at the European tables. Candio finished 4th for $3 million and Abruzzi says he's learned a thing or two by watching the 26 year-old play.

Antonacci started his Spring Open by playing Event 1 and has played in seven Main Events, but has yet to cash. "I have a couple of bubbles, but haven't hit the money."

With 40 players left he's four eliminations away from getting paid, but he's now a short stack as he's dropped to 50k since the double up.