WSOPC Sanremo: Gregory Grech Crowned Main Event Champion, Secures Ring and €138,892 Plus Bahamas Ticket

The historic Casino Sanremo on the Ligurian Riviera is one of Italy's most iconic live poker destinations. Regular WSOPC stops attract a mix of Italian regulars, French grinders, and recreational players from across Europe. This year's edition once again underscored why Sanremo is a must-visit for many — featuring nine ring events, a diverse lineup, and the added incentive of “Ticket to Paradise” packages to WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas for all new ring winners.

The WSOPC Sanremo 2025 festival ran from November 21 to December 1, delivering nine official ring events, including the €250 Cup, the popular Colossus with massive attendance, the €300 Mystery Bounty, and the €2,500 High Roller. As previously mentioned, each ring title automatically earned the winner a $5,000 “Ticket to Paradise” package to WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas.

Main Event with a Million-Euro Prizepool

This event's Main Event, with a €1,500 buy-in, featured four starting flights, tallying 871 entries. This created a prize pool of €1,105,299 with 118 paid spots. It was clear early on that the title battle would prominently feature French and Italian players.

This trend continued through to the final day, which began with 11 players, including five Italians and four Frenchmen. The local contenders, backed by a strong rail, were eager to claim the ring for Italy.

Italian-French Clashes

The final eleven began to thin quickly, with Tunisian representative Gregory Grech strengthening his position as chipleader throughout the early parts of the final table. Starting from the top spot, Grech continued to exert control as the official final table took shape after three eliminations.

The 2.5-hour long final saw Alone Zagury eliminated first, followed by the first Italian, Claudio Daffinà (€27,600). Frenchman Fabien Motte held one of the largest stacks at the start but several unsuccessful plays led to his exit in sixth place with a €35,650 payout. Shortly after, Hassan Halil left in fifth place, earning €46,300.

The four remaining players were led by Grech, though the Italian duo Bernardi and Orsi were in close pursuit, as was Frenchman Alexandre Doyer. Doyer eventually secured fourth place and €60,450. Alessandro Orsi, having made several significant final tables at Casino Sanremo, clinched third, taking home €79,599.

Deal in Heads-Up

Gregory Grech and Luca Bernardi entered the heads-up with Grech holding a slight lead (24m to 17m). In an intense heads-up battle, Grech set the pace. Ultimately, the two agreed on a deal guaranteeing nearly identical payouts. The prestigious ring and the $5,000 “Ticket to Paradise” package remained in play.

The decisive hand soon confirmed Grech's festival dominance. Luca risked his tournament life in a preflop all-in with A h 9 d, which Gregory called with J s 9 s. The board offered twists with 4 s 7 s 8 h on the flop and A d on the turn. This left all spades and tens in Gregory's favor, and a T c on the river sealed the deal.

Thanks to the victory, Grech collects €138,892 and his first WSOPC ring, along with a package to the Bahamas. Meanwhile, Bernardi takes home €128,307 and a prestige mark on home soil. WSOPC Sanremo closes a week full of riveting stories — Italian players once again showcased depth, but the Main Event ring is headed to the hands of a Franco-Tunisian pro.

Final Table Results of WSOPC Sanremo:

Sources – YouTube, EuroRounders, CasinoSanremo