Antonio De La Cruz

Antonio De La Cruz, an American poker player, currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. With total live earnings amounting to $456,019 and his best live cash at $97,000, his poker journey reached a notable peak on January 19th, 2020. On this date, he clinched first-place victory in the $400 No Limit Hold’em-Black Chip Bounty event at the 2020 World Poker Tour-Lucky Hearts Poker Open in Hollywood, securing a prize of $9,598.

Antonio De La Cruz: Early Life

Aside from being a poker player, Antonio also founded Tony’s Pizza in 2009 at 428 Beach Village Drive in the Publix-anchored Beach Village Shopping Center along State Road 100. Two years into its operation, he recognized the exceptional qualities of his dedicated employee, Paul Ricci. Impressed by Ricci’s strong work ethic and potential, he entrusted him with ownership of the restaurant. Ricci’s journey started at the age of 17 as a delivery driver, and then gradually progressed his way up into the kitchen. 

Antonio De La Cruz: Poker Career

Antonio De La Cruz made his debut on February 8th, 2011, participating in the $335 No Limit Hold’em Double Stack at the 2011 L.A. Poker Classic in Los Angeles, where he secured the 24th position and earned $830.

Later, on August 6th, 2015, he showcased his skills in the $570 No Limit Hold’em Deepstack at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open in Hollywood, clinching the 10th spot and bagging $14,640. Continuing his success, on January 12th, 2017, De La Cruz participated in the $360 No Limit Hold’em #1 at the 2017 WPTDeepStacks Lucky Hearts Poker Open in Hollywood. He secured the 8th rank and earned $21,940.

Moving forward to June 18th, 2018, he also took part in the $1,655 No Limit Hold’em (MSPT #75) at the DeepStack Championship Poker Series in Las Vegas, claiming the 20th position and pocketing $29,829. Later that year, on October 4th, 2018, in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em—The DIME Main Event #7 at the Card Player Poker Tour in St. Petersburg, he achieved 2nd place winning $33,845.

January 19th, 2020 marked a significant milestone for De La Cruz when he secured his first trophy in the $400 No Limit Hold’em – Black Chip Bounty at the 2020 World Poker Tour – WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open in Hollywood, walking away with $9,598.

His most recent appearance at the poker table was on January 18th, 2024, at the WSOPC C$1,600 No Limit Hold’em Main Event (Ring Event #11) at the WSOP International Circuit WSOPC in Calgary, where he achieved 20th place earning $12,358 in the process.