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 A7 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.