Still only 32 years old, Mustapha Kanit is a name that is known even outside of Italy. A regular participant of the High Roller scene, he managed to win more than 12 million dollars in live poker, which was helped by EPT and Aussie Million event titles. He is no less successful on the online scene, where his winnings are approaching the 7 million mark, and his repertoire includes a win in the Sunday Million and a valuable triumph from the SCOOP Main Event 2015. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the story of Mustapha Kanit.
Try to introduce yourself to us, what is your name, how long have you been playing poker, where do you live now.
"Hello, my name is Mustapha Kanit, I am 32 years old and I am Italian-Moroccan. I currently live in London.”
I know you are in Bratislava for the second time, how do you like it here?
"Yes, I'm here for the second time, I was here a year ago at exactly this time. The city is beautiful, very historical. And overall I really like these Winamax events, it's more than just poker. Everyone is friendly here and the players hang out together, it's really fun. And I think that Bratislava is suitable for this type of event. It's a great city, it's not expensive, you have great food here. The weather here is great at this time of year."
You say that what is special about Winamax events is that it is not just about poker. Tell us more about it.
“I think at Winamax they focus on more than just poker. They pay more attention to the fact that these events also bring people together, so there are many different activities. People who play poker mainly online come to these events to meet others and have a drink with them. The poker part is often rather secondary. I mean in contrast to other events where a person is fully focused only on poker and has no time for other things. Here, one socializes, meets friendly people, plays beer pong with them. It brings the players together and that's the nice thing about it."
Do you have a favorite tournament from this program?
"Main Event, of course. Overall, it is not common to find tournaments that are played 6-max. And those are exceptional for players. There is more action, it offers different situations, you are always under pressure. Sometimes there are only five or four of you at the table and it completely changes the dynamic of the game. I like this format. And a person can win for example 100k for first place for a relatively low buy-in. It's nice to be able to beat a large field of players for a really big cash reward. All this together makes a great event for me. I'm glad to be here again."
When you say it feels great to beat such a large field of players, do you prefer playing these Main Events or High Rollers?
"They are completely different tournaments. But if I had to choose which one I'd rather win, I'd probably say the Main Event. For example, the WSOP. It's a different feeling to beat thousands of people. I'm a tournament player, I enjoy building my stack, moving day by day. I like to experience different emotions during this journey through the tournament. So I'd probably rather win the Main Event than the Super Highroller, but of course I'd like to win both."
You play poker professionally at a high level. Can it still be a hobby for you?
"I still enjoy poker, it's still my passion. What I experience at the poker table, I can only experience there. It's a lot about emotions, getting to know yourself. I have to control myself, know how to estimate what others will do and at the same time "manipulate" them. Not in a bad way, but in short, you have to use all available "weapons". It's part of my identity."
I will follow up on the fact that you said that at the table it is necessary to use all the "weapons" that one has. What do you consider to be your strongest poker skill?
"In poker, of course, one needs a good technical foundation. But at the same time, it is important to adapt, to understand how the opponent plays. Especially at this type of event where you play with a lot of players you don't know. It is important to quickly catch how they play. I think I'm good at reading people and can adjust my strategy accordingly. After just one orbit, I can get an idea of who is a professional, who plays too tight... The more a person plays, the more he is able to adapt and use that information to his advantage."
What does being an ambassador for Winamax mean to you?
"It's great for me. I like the brand and identify with it. I like how they treat players, clients, how they organize events. We are a good team, we like to spend time together, not only in poker, but also outside of it. I think that is rather extraordinary. I'm grateful to be able to represent something I identify with. Winamax is full of positive energy, it is diverse. It is different from other brands. And that's how I feel, positive and colorful."
Mustapha's biggest online hits
Now I'm going to lighten things up a bit, do you have a favorite poker hand?
"Yes, I actually do. It is Qd 9d suited. I actually have a weakness for all 9d hands. Then I can go crazy. But of course also typical big pairs like aces. But the favorite is Qd 9d. The second most popular is Q 5, weird hand I know. Overall, I feel like a good Q high player. I don't fixate on specific hands, you have to play with what you have. But I have a specific feeling about these combinations because I have a good history with them, successful bluffs and so on."
Could you tell us about your most valuable achievements and others that you would like to achieve?
"When I started playing poker, I didn't have the best conditions. I come from a poorer background and it was a problem for me to have an internet connection at all. Everything was difficult. When I started I watched the EPT and my first dream was to win it in the future. Back then, it was unheard of for me to have 5k just to buy-in to a tournament. I've always had a soft spot for this EPT circuit. Well, after that I managed to have very good results in EPT events. Now things have changed a bit. I haven't won a bracelet yet. I didn't really like Vegas in the past, it was hard for me to play there for two months. But that has changed in recent years. But after COVID, I grew to love playing in Vegas and didn't take it for granted anymore. Before, I still took it as I can try in a year, but during COVID there were no live tournaments. I've come to appreciate it more and now I'd really like to win one of those bracelets. I've made a lot of final tables in the past and it hasn't worked out yet."
What are your next poker moves?
"After Winamax in Bratislava, I will participate in another Winamax event in Madrid and a big cash game. Then probably the EPT in Cyprus and finally Vegas or the Bahamas.”
Outside of poker, do you have any interesting hobbies? How do you like to relax between poker sessions?
"I like to travel and I like sports. When I play poker I have to concentrate 100 percent and only think about the game. And when you play for 2-3 weeks, even 2 months in Vegas, every day, you don't have much free time. So when a tournament is over, it's good to take some time for yourself and spend time with family and friends. And then come back in 100 percent shape.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our readers and fans?
„Dobre Bratislava!“