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Dario Sammartino is an Italian professional poker player and one of the most respected high-stakes “mixed game” specialists in the world. Known for his impeccable style and technical versatility, Sammartino is a World Series of Poker bracelet winner and sits as a perennial contender for Italy’s top spot on the all-time money list, cemented by his historic runner-up finish in the 2019 WSOP Main Event.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings surpassing $16,838,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Sammartino is one of the top two earners in Italian history. His career-best live score of $6,000,000 came from his legendary 2nd-place finish in the 2019 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Long considered one of the best players without a bracelet, he finally captured WSOP gold in 2024 in the $2,500 Omaha Hi-Lo/Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Championship for $222,703. Other major results include a 3rd-place finish in the 2017 $111,111 High Roller for One Drop for $1,608,295. His consistent success in high-roller invitationals and elite EPT stops contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $15 million.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in 1987 in Naples, Italy, Sammartino’s poker journey was deeply influenced by his family. He learned 5-Card Draw from his father at a young age as a way to bond after the passing of his grandfather. Originally a public relations professional, he transitioned to poker full-time in the late 2000s, grinding online under the alias “Madgenius87” and “Secret_M0d3.” Based in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, for many years to maintain access to global markets, he became a central figure in the Italian poker community. He is famously known for his “Old School” aesthetic, often appearing at final tables in a tailored suit and bowtie—a nod to the game’s prestigious past and his own belief in the importance of professionalism at the felt.
Play Style & Strategy
Sammartino is renowned for a “sophisticated, empathy-driven, and highly analytical” play style. While he possesses a deep understanding of modern GTO (Game Theory Optimal) mechanics, he places a massive emphasis on “live” tells and psychological reads. He describes empathy as a core poker skill, focusing on understanding an opponent’s fear and courage during high-pressure situations. This mindset makes him an elite Mixed Games specialist, excelling in variants like H.O.R.S.E., 2-7 Lowball, and Big O, where exploitative adjustments are paramount. Whether navigating a Triton Poker Series high roller or a WSOP championship, Sammartino’s strategy revolves around technical balance and an uncanny ability to identify mental fatigue in his peers, allowing him to dominate deep-stacked tournament phases.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow “Super Dario” as he continues to add to his Italian legacy? You can do so here:
Video Highlights:
Watch the moment Dario Sammartino finally secured his first World Series of Poker gold bracelet:
