At 52, Niman Kenkre is making a bold move—one that’s equal parts adventure, reinvention, and passion. A single father, he spent nearly two decades raising his son alone, shaping his world around fatherhood. Now, with his son off to college, Niman is seizing the moment to turn a lifelong love for Italy into something more permanent.

His destination? Florence. His mission? Launching an English academy that teaches children through football. Picture minimal classroom time, just the field, the ball, and an immersive learning experience.

This isn’t the first time Niman has taken an unconventional path. His life has been defined by calculated risks, intellectual curiosity, and a sharp strategic mind—traits that once made him one of the most successful online cash game poker players in the world.

A Mind Built for Strategy: From Engineering to High-Stakes Poker

Before his move to Italy, Niman’s career had already taken unexpected turns. He played football for the University of Texas whilst earning a Bachelor of Science. This was followed by a Master’s degree from Penn State. He worked as an electrical engineer at Teradyne and Corex Technologies before being recruited to MIT, eventually rising to Director of Engineering over seven years. In his spare time, he played chess and achieved official rating status as a chess master. By all accounts, he was on a stable, prestigious career path. But stability wasn’t enough—he craved a challenge that would fully engage his intellect.

That challenge turned out to be poker. Not tournaments at first, but high-stakes online cash games. Niman explained, “there are a lot of crossover skills between chess and poker.” Under the online alias “Samoleus,” Niman honed his skills in the world of no-limit Texas Hold’em, leveraging his deep understanding of combinatorics, probability, and psychology. He wasn’t just another player—he was one of the most successful in the world, dominating online cash games until April 15, 2011—Black Friday—when the U.S. government shut down online poker.

With online games gone, Niman transitioned to live poker, while at the same time paving his way forward as a football coach with a professional club from 2012. The level of competition poker didn’t necessarily get harder—in fact, live games tended to be softer—but the lifestyle did. Unlike online poker, which he could play from home while raising his son, live poker required travel. Balancing that with his passion for football coaching, and being single parenthood, was tough. As the poker economy shifted, the biggest games became smaller, making it harder to earn the same amount in limited time.

For years, Niman played in the largest cash games across the country, primarily against other top professionals. Occasionally, A-list celebrities like Tobey Maguire, Michael Phelps, Ben Affleck and Kevin Hart and would drop in to play or watch. While these moments added some Hollywood sparkle, they were a small part of his broader experience navigating the high-stakes poker world.

Eventually, the grind lost its appeal. In 2019, Niman retired from professional poker to focus on his son’s elite youth football career. From 2021 to 2024 he became a full-time youth coach, working in professional club academies and dedicating himself to player development. When his son left for college, the timing felt right—Niman was ready for his next big move.

Why the Investor Visa Made Sense for Italy

That next challenge? Building a new life in Italy. Initially, Niman planned to move on an Elective Residence Visa (ERV), but reality forced a change. Despite having a strong passive income, Italian immigration authorities wouldn’t count his financial assets unless they were guaranteed and cashable—like pensions or annuities. Converting his assets into an annuity made no sense financially.

Then there was the biggest deal-breaker: the ERV didn’t allow him to work. Niman’s football-based English academy wasn’t just a career idea—it was a passion project with real potential. After exploring alternatives, he landed on the investor visa, which provided stability, healthcare access, and a clear path to permanent residency.

Selling His Home to Invest in Italy

To meet the investor visa requirements, Niman made a strategic financial decision—selling his home. This wasn’t just about meeting visa qualifications. By selling instead of renting the place out, he qualified for a tax exemption on the appreciation of his home’s value. It also meant he wouldn’t have to liquidate investments to fund his move, allowing him to maintain long-term financial stability while making his investment in Italy.

Navigating Italian Red Tape

Unlike the ERV, the investor visa can be more complex to apply for and require legal help. Many attorneys quoted around €15,000 for full-service support, but Niman found a determined young lawyer who charged significantly less. The only drawback? Limited English. Luckily, Niman’s Italian was strong enough to bridge the gap, with AI-powered translation tools helping where needed.

But his biggest bureaucratic headache? The FBI background check. While the state report was simple, his federal background check got lost in the system. Now, with time-sensitive deadlines looming, he’s still waiting for resolution.

A School Where Football Teaches English

Niman’s passion for football and education is at the heart of his Florence move. His academy, designed for 6- to 11-year-olds, uses football as the primary tool for teaching English. The program is already patent-pending across the EU, setting the stage for future expansion.

Market research pointed to Milan, Rome, Florence, and Bologna as the best locations for financial viability. After considering all factors—including business potential, cost of operations, and lifestyle—Florence won out. It wasn’t just about the numbers. The city’s rich culture, accessibility, and, of course, the legendary Bistecca Fiorentina made it an easy choice.

As a former high-level football player and coach, Niman has the expertise to make this work. He’s prioritizing organic growth over rapid expansion, ensuring quality over speed. Down the road, he’ll bring in coaches, English teachers, and consultants. For now, it’s all about laying a strong foundation.

The Everyday Realities of Starting Fresh

Moving countries isn’t just about work—it’s about rebuilding life’s little details.

• Phone Plan: Keeping a U.S. number is essential for handling business back home. Verizon’s international options were weak, and T-Mobile required at least 50% U.S. usage. His workaround? Switching to T-Mobile now and eventually moving to Mint Mobile.
• Finding a Home: Niman wants to live close enough to Florence’s center to soak up its energy but also needs a car for work. The Gavinana neighborhood, across the Arno, offers a good balance.
• Setting Up Essentials: Internet, utilities, and local bureaucracy will all require navigating. But with fluent Italian and helpful connections, Niman is ready for the challenge.

The Emotional Side of Reinvention

Leaving Boston after 27 years isn’t just about logistics—it’s emotional. The U.S.’s diversity, fast-paced sports culture, and even simple pleasures like buffalo wings and NBA basketball will be hard to leave behind.

But the toughest part? Being away from his son.

Niman raised him alone, and the idea of living an ocean apart was initially overwhelming. But after deep conversations, they reframed it: quality over quantity. Instead of quick, routine visits, their time together will be more intentional, filled with experiences that matter. That shift in mindset made all the difference.

Trust the Best Chapters are Ahead

Florence represents more than a new home for Niman—it’s a new way of living, an adventure that blends purpose and passion. His journey proves that reinvention doesn’t have an age limit. It’s about taking the leap, embracing uncertainty, and trusting that the best chapters are still ahead.