When internet outrage comes for a creator, most fade into obscurity or attempt quiet reinvention. But Antonio Lievano took a different route. Once a lightning rod for online controversy, Antonio Lievano transformed his internet notoriety into a fresh chapter that few saw coming. His path from Facebook prank king to high-stakes poker contender is one of the most unique and compelling narratives in the creator economy.
Known in the mid-2010s as SoFloAntonio, Antonio Lievano built one of the most-watched video empires on Facebook. His content regularly surpassed a billion views per month, using emotional skits and social experiments to dominate the algorithm. But with that level of virality came intense scrutiny. Accusations of repurposing content without credit, most notably by YouTubers like h3h3Productions, placed Antonio Lievano squarely in the crosshairs of internet watchdogs.
What followed could have been the end of his digital career. Instead, it became the spark for a complete reinvention.
Antonio Lievano’s Pivot from Controversy to Competition
Rather than try to rebuild his name in the same space where criticism followed him, Antonio Lievano stepped into a completely different world: professional poker. What might have seemed like a surprising move was actually a perfect fit for someone who built their success on strategy, timing, and reading people.
In poker, much like in digital media, success is about recognizing patterns, managing risk, and staying composed under pressure. These were all traits Antonio Lievano had already sharpened during his time dominating social platforms.
He started playing live tournaments and quickly made waves with deep runs in some of the most prestigious events. At the 2018 World Series of Poker, Antonio Lievano finished 12th in the $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty event, earning $21,734 and respect from players who had never heard of his social media background.
From Internet Clashes to WSOP Cashes
Since that first breakout performance, Antonio Lievano has continued to rise through the poker ranks. His career includes a 7th-place finish in a $25,000 High Roller event for $184,324 and a deep run in the $10,000 Main Event where he placed 51st, collecting $176,200. According to WSOP.com, his total World Series of Poker earnings have now surpassed $429,000.
Outside the tournament scene, Antonio Lievano has also made a name for himself in live-streamed cash games. On shows like Hustler Casino Live, he has faced off against some of the best players in the world, holding his own in high-pressure situations with thousands of viewers watching in real time.
Redemption Through Performance
What sets Antonio Lievano apart is not just that he pivoted, but that he succeeded in a field where merit cannot be faked. Poker is a game of skill, patience, and mental discipline. There are no followers or engagement metrics at the table. Every chip earned must be won.
For many, Antonio Lievano’s success at the felt has rewritten the narrative. He is no longer just the guy from Facebook videos. He is now a legitimate competitor in one of the most respected arenas in gaming. His ability to stay composed and make profitable decisions under fire is not just impressive—it is transformative.
Antonio Lievano Is Still Evolving
Despite the criticism that once followed him, Antonio Lievano has emerged with a renewed sense of direction. Beyond poker, he is now focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to build systems that automate digital branding, ecommerce, and performance marketing. His experience in going viral, managing backlash, and starting fresh gives him a unique edge in everything he builds moving forward.
Antonio Lievano turned controversy into clarity. Instead of letting cancel culture define him, he entered a new world where only performance matters. His story is not about redemption through apology. It is about reinvention through action. And in that, he is once again setting the standard.
