Andre Akkari from Sao Paolo in Brazil got into poker by an interesting route. He was working for a software company on a project for a poker website, and in the course of his research he downloaded some poker software and began playing. He became fascinated by the game and began reading books and strategy to improve his play. Andre realized he could make a living from poker, and gradually built his bankroll and moved up the levels. From that start he has gone on to make a name for himself in both the online and live arenas of the game, and he is one of Brazil’s brightest poker talents.

With his background in software development, Andre is at home playing online and his record in PokerStars tournaments is second to none, with more than 90 final table appearances and over $500,000 in winnings. His finest moment came during the 2008 World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP), when he finished second in the $10,300 HORSE event, good for a cash of $200,000. He’s also made the switch to live poker, and Andre’s live career got started with some impressive results at the Bellagio Cup in Las Vegas. He went on a winning run in August 2006 taking down two $1,000 No Limit Hold’em tournaments for $57,000 and $83,000. He then cashed at the 2008 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) in The Bahamas, finishing in the top 100 at the Main Event, before going on to final table a side event at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Grand Final. He came second in the €500 No Limit Hold’em tournament in Monte Carlo, good for $75,004.

Andre enjoys spending time with his wife and kids when not playing poker, and like most Brazilians loves football and plays with his friends back in Brazil whenever he can. He also loves movies and enjoys the opportunity that poker brings to visit new places. He a member of Team PokerStars Pro and plays exclusively online at PokerStars and you can find him at the tables using the screen name ‘AAkkari’.