Freddy at Grady Mathews’ 2004 Gulf Coast Classic
Freddy ‘the Beard’ Bentivegna grew up in Chicago, where he first took to pool in a neighborhood bowling alley that had a few well-worn pool tables. Later, he started to make trips to the shark-infested environs of Bensinger’s downtown poolroom. At first repeatedly sent home broke, Freddy learned from each foray, and eventually developed into one of the key players that ruled the roost in the ultra-tough action town of Chicago.
Chicago was a banker’s heaven – or hell — at that time, and Freddie built a successful career putting a hurt on visiting players, and taking his game on the road; sometimes in stealth, but often in an open challenge to the best the country had to offer.
Freddy was a featured guest at the first One Pocket HOF dinner in 2005
After the demise of Bensinger’s, Freddy opened and ran the North Shore Billiard Club, which may have been small in terms of the number of tables, yet it was huge in the talent and action it hosted.
A career veteran of high stakes pool action, Freddy’s best major Bank Pool tournament finish was:
- 2nd place Chicago Billiard Cafe
As a teacher and mentor, Freddy has developed into one of Accu-stats most popular commentators. With his sharp mind and his tremendous wealth of personal experience, he has a unique ability to blend keen insight and very entertaining story telling.
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Without the beard
photo courtesy Freddy Bentivegna -
Freddy in 1986 waiting to shoot at the Clyde Childress Memorial tournament
In 2005 Freddy published his first book, the highly acclaimed Banking with the Beard, which has established a new standard of excellence in banking instruction.
Read our book review Buy a copy at the Marketplace