Italian Wins World Poker Tour Main Event

For the first time on February 9, an Italian topped a field of 523 players to win a major World Poker Tour title. Wearing his trademark tuxedo, Alessio Isaia won €380,000 and the Main Event title at the WPT Venice. The popular event was held recently in the historic Casino di Venezia in Italy which is thought to be the oldest casino in the world.

In addition to the prize money and title, however, Isaia also secured himself a $25,500 seat for the WPT World Championship at Bellagio and a Tiffany bracelet. Isaia is a Full Tilt Poker pro.

Following the historic win, Isaia reported that, "I'm very happy. I've been trying to win a big tournament for three or four years. I came close in the EPT but I never achieved it. I'm even more happy to win it in Italy, my home country, it is really special."

Isaia also remarked that he was "very, very tired" which is unsurprising given that the heads-up battle continued for eight hours which is a new WPT record. Isaia was up against Hungarian Szabolcs Mayer and their pair switched lead in dramatic fashion a number of times. However, Isaia put on a fine performance of persistence, determination and talent to clinch his career highlight.