As players begin to arrive in Las Vegas for the 56^th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) , we’ve spoken to a rare WSOP bracelet holder who has also won an EPT Main Event and WPT Main Event. Triple Crown winner Roberto Romanello pulled the $500,000 bounty in the 2024 Mystery Bounty event only to invest it all in his sportsbetting site Bet Clever and is heading back to Sin City feeling fresh – but can he survive our 15 Bigs.

Down to 15 big blinds in a poker tournament, each player faces the choice over whether to shove or fold, to push forward or pull back. They’re often tough decisions, and we’ve made our own 15 Bigs exactly the same, pressing our favorites from the felt to tough calls. Will the Triple Crown winner Roberto Romanello fold under the pressure, or rise through the field as he does so often in live poker tournaments?

Let’s find out!

You’re on a long-haul flight and can only choose one TV Show or Movie to watch on repeat, which is your pick?

Rounders, It’s basically the poker player’s Bible. I’ve probably quoted, “If you can’t spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table…” more times than I care to admit.

If you were stranded on a desert island with one book for company, what would it be?

The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova. It blends poker, psychology, and life lessons. If I’m stuck alone, I might as well sharpen the mental edge.

What’s the song you could listen to on repeat forever?

Lose Yourself by Eminem. It’s got that final table energy, high pressure, big decisions, and no second chances.

What’s your favourite place to play poker and why?

Las Vegas, of course. The energy, the stakes, the characters, it’s like stepping into a living, breathing poker movie. Plus, there’s always action, day or night.

If you were to be shot at dawn, what would be your last meal and drink?

My mum’s homemade lasagne and my dad’s homemade Italian wine. If I’m going out, I’m going out full and smiling.

Where’s your favourite non-poker holiday destination?

Going back to our family home in Italy, seeing all my relatives and spending time in my hometown of Marcone, Napoli. Just eating and drinking like a king the whole time.

You can play poker every day for a year or play no poker for a whole 12 months – which do you choose?

I’d choose not to play for 12 months. The hunger I’d build up in that time would be unreal, and when I come back, I’m confident I’d clean up.

Sounds like it could be this summer! Who is the person you don’t have around anymore that you miss the most?

All my grandparents, I feel like I learned so much from them – they shaped the person I am today.

Which person would you most like to meet but never have?

Diego Maradona. I grew up watching him on TV, he’s looked up to like a god by the people of Naples.

When’s the last time life put you on tilt?

When I had pocket aces cracked back-to-back at a final table. Life tilted me and rivered me at the same time!

If you couldn’t play the WSOP Main Event next year, which family member would you put into the action in your place?

So easy – my Dad! He loves poker so much, and honestly, he’d probably disown me if I picked anyone else.

What’s your best poker skill?

Live reads.

And your biggest leak?

Trying to win it all in one day.

If you could make one rule change to poker, what would it be?

Shot clocks for every live event – less stalling, more playing. It keeps the game sharp and fun for everyone.

You have just ten seconds with the person of your dreams… what do you say?

“When I’m finally looking down over you, it would make me so happy to see you truly enjoying life and making the most of every opportunity it gives you, each and every day.”

Roberto absolutely nailed it. He has been waiting for his chance to take to the poker table and we now see that if the Bet Clever owner and Triple Crown winner is put the test, he can more than stand up to it! The Welsh Wizard is on his way.

If you want to back players in this year’s WSOP in Las Vegas, why not head to our staking page on PokerStake today?

Headline image by award-winning photographer Danny Maxwell for PokerNews.