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Why Was Dario Sammartino Considered Among The Greatest Without A Bracelet?

In the glittering world of professional poker, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet is the ultimate mark of achievement. Yet, Italian poker pro Dario Sammartino stood as a curious exception, someone who is #1 on Italy’s all-time list for live tournament poker winnings.

Despite a trophy cabinet devoid of WSOP gold (until today), he was widely considered one of the greatest of all time (GOAT) without a WSOP bracelet – a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent dominance. See below why we think Sammartino transcends the limitations of a single tournament series.

🏆Congratulations to Dario Sammartino 🇮🇹 who wins Event #61: $2,500 Mixed: Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better; Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better (8-Handed) for $222,703 and his first @WSOP gold bracelet💰 pic.twitter.com/G1bZi9rDrt

— PokerNews (@PokerNews) June 27, 2024

Why is Dario Sammartino among the best?

• Tournament KING: Sammartino boasts an unparalleled consistency in cashing at major tournaments.  He’s cashed a staggering 100 times at the WSOP alone, a number many bracelet winners would envy.  This translates to a remarkable ability to navigate diverse fields and consistently reach the money stages, showcasing his mastery of the game across various formats.
• Final table titan: Sammartino isn’t just a cash collector at tournaments; he’s a seasoned finalist too.  He’s graced the final tables of the WSOP Main Event (2019) and the WSOP Europe Main Event – a feat rarely achieved by anyone. At the WSOP, he had 20 final table finishes before getting his first bracelet today at WSOP 2024 in Las Vegas. These deep runs demonstrate his ability to thrive under immense pressure and make strategic decisions with millions on the line.

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ALSO READ: WSOP 2024 Winners List

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• Master of many games: Unlike some specialists, Sammartino isn’t confined to a single game.  He excels in No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and even Mixed Games, showcasing an exceptional versatility that allows him to adapt to any opponent and any format. This well-roundedness makes him a true master of the craft. At WSOP 2024 itself, he cashed in a $5K PLO Event, $10 PLO Hi-Lo 8 or Better Event, $25k NLHE High Roller Event, $1.5k NLHE/PLO Double Board Bomb Pot Event, $10K NLHE Super Turbo Bounty Event, and finally the bracelet in the $2.5K Mixed: Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better; Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Event.
• Fearless competitor: Sammartino doesn’t shy away from the toughest competition. He regularly participates in high-roller events, where he squares off against the best players in the world.  His success in these high-stakes arenas speaks volumes about his confidence, mental fortitude, and ability to make winning decisions against the elite.
• The imponderable factor: While the lack of a bracelet was a curious anomaly, it could’ve been attributed to the inherent randomness and variance of tournament poker.  A single bad beat or unlucky hand can derail even the most skilled player. Sammartino’s numerous deep runs demonstrate his ability to consistently reach the top, but sometimes, the elusive victory just slips away.

heads up for $222k + bracelet and still somehow is this cool and Italian pic.twitter.com/0cg2vufYzN

— Ryan Depaulo (@depaulo_ryan) June 27, 2024

Until today, he had a legacy beyond bracelets. He’s an innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of strategy and influencing a new generation of players. His aggressive, calculated style, coupled with his willingness to take calculated risks, has become a blueprint for success in the modern poker landscape.

Sammartino’s story was an intriguing one, especially because he had so many successes but no bracelets. He was a champion without a crown, a testament to the multifaceted nature of poker greatness. A WSOP bracelet remains the ultimate prize, and he completed that today as well. He beat a pool of 507 entries to cash $222,703 in prize money, adding to his tally of $16+ Million that he already had in tournament poker.

For more WSOP 2024 updates, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter  and Telegram.

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