Dario Alioto
Dario Alioto is a pioneer. One of the few pros at the head of the growing Italian poker scene, he is a source of inspiration for any young Southern European player. Dario did not discover Texas Hold 'Em until he reached the age of 20, but he already understood the stresses and strains of professional sports. Having competed for Italy at an International level in both Judo and freestyle wrestling, he was already in possession of a competitive pedigree - a trait which has served him well over his short poker career.
Dario's enlightenment came while he was studying for a degree in Pharmacy in Budapest. After playing in an EPT event in the German city of Baden he swapped medicine for re-raises, leaving the university to play poker full time. He played regularly in Hungary for a few months before moving back to his native Italy to hone his game in the burgeoning online poker rooms. His athletic dedication served him well, as the hours he spent refining his game meant that he was able to quickly move from level to level. It was not too long before he had qualified for a major tournament; the EPT event in Barcelona.
It was in the Catalonian capital that his career really began to take off. Having entered via satellite he made a huge profit, finishing 7th for €52,000. Since then he has had two cashes in the 2007 World Series of Poker, earning more than $55,000. His greatest achievement, however, must be the WSOP Europe bracelet he won last year in the Pot-Limit Hold 'em event in London. Battling past poker luminaries such as Tony G, his youthful aggressive style took him to the title. Cashing for a healthy £234,000 has put his name on the European poker map.
With over $600,000 in lifetime tournament earnings at the age of only 23, it seems that a glittering poker career beckons for this young Italian prodigy.
Common Misspellings: Daria Alioto, Dario Alatio, Dario Aloti, Dario Alotio
Learn more about Dario Alioto at Full Tilt Poker.
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