Alessio Isaia became the first Italian to win a World Poker tour event when he took down WPT Venice on February 9th. Isaia bested a field of 523 to take the crown on home soil.
Isaia’s foray into poker began in 2005. A year and half later he turned pro. In 2008, Isaia went on a tournament tear which included two World Series of Poker final tables and a runner-up finish in a Bellagio Cup IV preliminary event. Isaia flashed his brilliance in 2009 with a victory in a €2K IPT San Remo event with €140,000.
Isaia entered the final table second in chips to David Vamplew, the eventual third place finisher. Early on, Isaia eliminated Luca Fiorini when Isaia’s A
7
outdrew AT
on the river. Play continued until Isaia was heads-up with Szabolcs Mayer.
Mayer started heads-up play with more than a 4:1 chip advantage. However, Isaia battled back and fought to even. In the eighth hour of the epic match Mayer shoved with Q6. Isaia pondered for a bit and called with AQ
. The board ran out 8423J sealing victory for the Italian.
Besides the honor of being the first Italian to win a WPT Championship Event, Isaia pocketed over $500,000. Isaia also received a $25,500 WPT Championship seat and a stunning Tiffany bracelet.