Ring #3 for Mario Perati at WSOP-C Sanremo
Italian poker player Mario Perati has achieved an incredible milestone by claiming his third World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP-C) ring at the 2024 WSOP-C Sanremo €1,000 Main Event. Hosted by Texapoker at Casinò Sanremo, this event saw a field of 1,050 entrants, culminating in an exciting finale where Perati walked away with the top prize of €123,140 after an intense tournament.
Having already secured WSOP-C victories in a heads-up event in 2018 and another in Rozvadov in 2019, Perati’s latest win cements his position as a key figure in the poker world. His performance in this event showcased his experience, skill, and resilience against a competitive lineup of seasoned players.
Perati’s Journey to Victory
The Main Event generated a prize pool of €888,300, with Perati rising to the top in an action-packed final day. The journey to his win was no easy feat, as he faced notable challenges, especially from Francesco Di Domenico, who held a dominating chip lead for most of the day. Di Domenico’s impressive run came to an end in fourth place when he lost a critical pot to Hervé Gouzil, who went on to face Perati heads-up.
In heads-up play, Gouzil initially held a slight advantage, adding to the suspense as he vied for his own moment of victory. Despite a tough battle, Perati managed to secure the win, with Gouzil finishing as runner-up, pocketing €100,000.
A Storied Final Table at Casinò Sanremo
The final table at Casinò Sanremo was packed with high-stakes action, as Perati faced off against some familiar names. Among them was Matteo Sbrana, an Italian poker veteran and a close friend of Perati’s, who secured third place with €64,040. Alex Sampirisi (5th place), Xavier Zuczkowski (6th place), and Jean-Marc Chiba (8th place) also made impressive showings, all of whom have been regular faces in the European poker circuit.
Di Domenico’s gameplay was a highlight of the event, particularly with his strong hands that saw him eliminate several players, including Andrea Dal Bo and Ivan Kuziv. However, his run came to a dramatic close after he lost a significant pot to Gouzil, leaving him short-stacked before his elimination in fourth place with €46,070.
Perati’s Reflection on His Achievement
After his win, Perati expressed gratitude and excitement about his accomplishment, especially in a casino that he considers close to home. “The Casino di Sanremo feels like home to me. I live thirty kilometers away, so, in fact, I was born in this casino, like many poker players. I learned to play here,” he shared. The victory, he noted, was particularly special due to the familiar faces and the challenging competition he faced.
Reflecting on his journey through the tournament, Perati emphasized how knowing many of his opponents worked to his advantage. “I’ve already played a final in Malta with Xavier [Zuczkowski], and I know many of the others from past tournaments,” he said, adding that this familiarity brought an extra layer of enjoyment to the event.
Key Moments from Day 3
The final day kicked off with 24 players remaining, each determined to claim the prestigious WSOP-C ring. Hervé Gouzil had a strong start, doubling up early on with quads against Christian Alilovic’s full house, setting the tone for an action-packed day. The early hours saw multiple eliminations, including Claudio Polonia, Danilo Colomba, and Didier Mambour, among others.
As the tables consolidated, Di Domenico emerged as the player to watch, extending his chip lead by eliminating Andrea Dal Bo and Isabel Baltazar. However, his impressive run was halted by Gouzil, who managed to take down a substantial pot from him, leaving Di Domenico with only a few big blinds before he was eventually knocked out.
The momentum shifted quickly as the final table progressed, with Mario Perati and Hervé Gouzil rising to the top. After Matteo Sbrana’s elimination in third place, Perati and Gouzil entered heads-up play, each hoping to secure the title. Although Gouzil started strong, Perati made a strategic comeback, ultimately hitting a straight to clinch the victory.
2024 WSOP-C Sanremo Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario Perati | Italy | €123,140* |
| 2 | Hervé Gouzil | France | €100,000* |
| 3 | Matteo Sbrana | Italy | €64,040 |
| 4 | Francesco Di Domenico | Italy | €46,070 |
| 5 | Alex Sampirisi | Italy | €34,140 |
| 6 | Xavier Zuczkowski | Italy | €25,400 |
| 7 | Francesco Delfoco | Italy | €19,180 |
| 8 | Jean-Marc Chiba | France | €14,705 |
*Note: A deal was made during heads-up play for the top two prizes.
Looking Ahead
Perati’s third WSOP-C ring places him among an elite group of players who have achieved multiple victories in the series, underscoring his commitment to the game and his exceptional skill level. With this victory, he solidifies his status in the poker world and builds on a legacy that he has been crafting since his first ring win in 2018.
As the poker circuit continues, fans and players alike will be watching to see if Perati’s success in Sanremo is a precursor to even greater achievements in the future. For now, though, Mario Perati stands proudly as the 2024 WSOP-C Sanremo Main Event Champion, adding another chapter to his remarkable poker journey.