Ferrante Fights On

Kaelaine Minton

Level 4 : 200/300, 300 ante

During the Summer Poker Open in July, Damon Ferrante made a deep run in this same event, finishing 42nd out of 1,925 entrants ($3,176). That was an improvement on and follow-up to his 66th place finish in the Spring Poker Open Kick-Off back in April ($2,304).

He's has been battling Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia since 2011, when he turned to poker as a way to take his focus away from his disease and give him something else to occupy his mind. In 2016, PokerStars took notice and made a deal to sponsor him in tournaments. He donates most of his winnings to charity and PokerStars matches his donations, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars going to worthy causes.

Last December, PokerStars rewarded Ferrante's charitable efforts with a Platinum Pass to the Players No-Limit Hold’em Championship, worth $25,000, and a free trip to the Bahamas where the tournament was held. Although he didn’t cash in that event, it was the experience of a lifetime. He continues to survive and thrive, sporting that PokerStars patch.

Ferrante took home his first and only Borgata trophy in June of 2017 when he won the $230 Deeper Stack NLH event, earning $10,758.