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Dario Sammartino
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:
Callum Jury is SoMuchPoker's Live Content and Social Media Specialist, reporting live from WSOP and Asia Pacific poker festivals including the APT and PokerStars LIVE series. Originally from the Lake District in the UK, he has covered the Southeast Asian poker circuit since 2025, combining day-by-day tournament reporting with the social and digital content that brings the action to fans.
