WSOP 2026: Dario Sammartino Shines in Dealers Choice, Italian Contenders in Key Events
The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) has already generated significant buzz, with standout performances from both international and Italian players. As the tournament progresses, key events like the 1.500$ Dealers Choice and the Monster Stack have highlighted the skills of seasoned pros and rising stars alike. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments.
Dario Sammartino’s Strong Showing in Dealers Choice
Italian poker legend Dario Sammartino made waves in the 1.500$ Dealers Choice 6-handed event, finishing in 8th place with a stack of 236,000 chips. The tournament, which features 21 different poker variants, attracted 656 entries, with 132 players advancing to Day 2. Sammartino’s performance underscores his reputation as one of the game’s most versatile players. The event’s prize pool includes a top payout of $161,057 for the winner, though the prestige of securing a bracelet remains the ultimate goal for many competitors.
Monster Stack: Germano Cervetti Advances, Chinese Dominance?
Germano Cervetti, another Italian contender, advanced to Day 2 of the Monster Stack event (1.500$ buy-in), finishing 164th with 174,500 chips. The tournament saw 1,514 entries, with only 538 players making the final table. Chinese player Zhijian Zhang dominated the leaderboard, reflecting the growing influence of Asian players in global poker. Other notable names in the top 10 included Israeli star Uri Reichenstein and American contenders like David McMillan and David Kowal.
High Stakes in Event #17: 10k NL 2-7 Championship
The 10,000$ No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw (Event #17) has drawn a high-caliber field, with 13 players remaining. Among them are legends like Phil Hellmuth, Shaun Deeb, and John Monnette, each vying for their next bracelet. Current chip leader Ryutaro Suzuki, a two-time bracelet winner, holds a commanding lead with 1,570,000 chips. Hellmuth, seeking his 18th bracelet, sits in 11th place with 620,000 chips, while 2018 Main Event champion John Cynn is also in contention.
High Roller Showdown: Daniel Rezaei Takes the Lead
In the 25,000$ High Roller event (Event #19), Austrian player Daniel Rezaei emerged as the chip leader with 1,176,000 chips. The tournament, which attracted 81 entries, has seen fierce competition among elite players. Rezaei’s dominance highlights his reputation as a consistent performer in high-stakes environments, with his lead positioning him as a strong favorite for the title.
Philip Ardire Claims First Bracelet in Pot Limit Omaha
A dramatic comeback saw American player Philip Ardire secure his first WSOP bracelet in the 600$ Pot Limit Omaha Deepstack event. Starting with just six sizeable blinds, Ardire executed a remarkable run to claim the title and a prize of $171,589. His victory adds to the growing list of underdog stories that define the WSOP’s allure.
Justin Liberto Wins Mixed Omaha for Second Bracelet
Justin Liberto, a veteran of the WSOP circuit, added a second bracelet to his resume by winning the Mixed Omaha event. The 2015 NLHE 6-handed champion defeated Chris Lee in a heads-up final, earning $265,297. Liberto’s win marks a career milestone, showcasing his consistency and adaptability across different poker formats.
Italian Players in the Spotlight
While Sammartino