Mariano Zunino

Mariano Grandoli, known online as Mariano Zunino, was born in July 1995 in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. In 2002, his family relocated to the United States. He later earned a degree in Business and Economics from Fullerton College in California and currently resides in Los Angeles.

During college, Mariano became interested in poker, drawn by the psychology and mathematics of the game. He started playing low-stakes $1/$2 cash games at the Gardens Casino using $100 he saved from tips while working as a delivery driver at Pizza Hut. Initially, he built his bankroll to $600 but lost it all due to poor habits, and was subsequently banned from Gardens Casino in 2018. He was also fired from Pizza Hut when his employer discovered his gambling.

Determined to improve, Mariano studied the gameplay of Andrew Neeme and Garrett Adelstein. He resumed playing cash games, gradually moving up to $3/$5 stakes. A friend loaned him $500, which he turned into $8,000, repaying the loan with interest.

In February 2019, inspired by Andrew Neeme, Mariano launched his YouTube channel 'Mariano'. He began vlogging by reviewing his $1/$3 games at San Manuel Casino in California and other venues across the United States. His channel quickly grew, amassing over 159,000 subscribers. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at his life as a professional poker player, highlighting both highs and lows.

In 2022, Mariano was nominated for Best Vlogger at the Global Poker Awards but lost to fellow vlogger Ethan 'Rampage' Yau.

Mariano’s big break came when he started appearing on high-stakes live streams such as Hustler Casino Live (HCL), Poker At The Lodge, Live At The Bike, and Bally Live Poker. He proved to be a formidable player, handling large pots with skill.

In March 2023, Mariano won a massive $788,400 pot during a $100/$200/$400 cash game on Hustler Casino Live. This hand showcased his strategic prowess and cemented his reputation as a top high-stakes player.

Mariano is known for an aggressive, psychological approach to poker. He excels at applying pressure and making bold moves, often leveraging his deep understanding of hand ranges and opponent tendencies. His style, while risky, has proven effective in high-stakes environments.

Mariano has been in a relationship with his girlfriend Megan for nearly a decade. He continues to reside in Los Angeles and regularly travels to casinos across the U.S. for games and vlogging.