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Most poker players recognize Olivier Franceschi for his key role in ensuring the smooth operation of some of Europe's most prestigious poker tournaments. As a floor manager on the European Poker Tour (EPT) and assisting Teresa Nousianinen on the direction of OlyBet's Kings of Tallinn, he’s spent years managing the chaos of high-stakes poker with the precision and composure that earned him the nickname Hitman—a nod to his resemblance to Agent 47.
But what many don’t know is that before poker, Franceschi’s life was all about music. A professional bassist for over 15 years, he toured the world, played in front of thousands, and lived the life of a full-time musician. And now? He’s back on stage, bass in hand, ready to rock once again.
At this year’s Kings of Tallinn, Franceschi and his newly formed band took the stage at the player party, delivering a high-energy performance alongside pop star Laura Põldvere. Before soundcheck, he sat down to talk about his return to music, how he got into poker, and why stepping onto a stage in front of thousands is even scarier than running a massive tournament.
Franceschi’s love for music started early. Like many, his teenage years were soundtracked by rock and heavy metal, and he originally wanted to play guitar. But after being introduced to legends like Stanley Clarkeand Jaco Pastorius, his heart was set on the bass.
“I fell in love with the instrument,” he said. “I started my bass journey when I was 16 and never quit.”
Music became his profession. From playing small bars and clubs to big festival stages, Franceschi experienced the highs and lows of life as a working musician.
“You do a bit of everything,” he explained. “I played in cover bands touring bars and pubs, but also in big bands where we’d be on stage for four hours straight, playing all kinds of songs. You don’t get to be picky with the setlist—you might be playing funk, rock, and then suddenly, ‘Macarena’ to keep the crowd happy.”
But one of his career highlights came in the late ‘90s when his funk band landed a dream gig: opening for Urban Speciesin front of 6,000 people.
“It was intense,” he recalled. “Huge sound system, massive crowd, and you have to keep it together and perform. That’s real pressure.”
Kings of Tallinn Sounds Off with Incredible Player Party
So how did poker enter the picture? Franceschi had always been aware of the game, having played five-card draw as a kid. But it wasn’t until the mid-2000s, when poker boomed in France, that he really took notice.
“I started watching those poker shows on TV, where Patrick Bruel was explaining the game,” he said. “We’d watch WPT events, and it just fascinated me. So I started playing with friends.”
At first, he was mostly the guy dealing the cards after busting early. But something clicked.
“I realized I actually liked dealing. I was a bit fed up with the grind of touring, so I thought, ‘Why not try something new?’”
That decision led him into the world of poker. He started as a dealer, worked his way up through the industry, and before long, he was working at some of the most notable stops on the poker circuit.
Franceschi has spent years running poker events with thousands of players, ensuring everything goes smoothly. But how does that compare to stepping onto a stage in front of thousands of people?
“I think performing on stage is much harder,” he admitted. “When you’re running a poker tournament, you’re behind the scenes. If something goes wrong, you can fix it. But on stage? You’re completely exposed. You have to deliver, and you have to do it in the moment.”
That moment came again at Kings of Tallinn, where Franceschi reunited with music in a big way. His band featured top-tier musicians, including Berklee-trained drummer Jarkko “The Finnish Mountain” Rantala and guitarist Nicolas Duchemin, who flew in from Monaco on two days’ notice.
“We only had a few rehearsals, so this was a real test,” he said. “But we wanted to surprise the players and put on a great show.”
Straight Flush vs. Quads Bad Beat Jackpot at Kings of Tallinn
As poker players in the audience watched their 'Hitman' rock out on stage, it was clear Franceschi hadn’t lost his touch. With his bass grooves holding down the rhythm, the band delivered a set full of energy, making sure the Kings of Tallinn player party was one to remember.
So will poker ever take a backseat to music again?
“I love both,” he said. “Poker is my career now, but music is always there. And now that I’m playing again, who knows? Maybe there’s more to come.”
For Franceschi, whether it’s running a tournament or rocking a stage, one thing remains the same: when the lights go up, it’s all about putting on a great performance.
Images courtesy of Kings of Tallinn/Elena Kask
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