Roberto Romanello

Roberto Romanello was born in Swansea, Wales. He began playing poker in 2005 after a sports injury left him housebound for three months. Inspired by watching the World Series of Poker on television, he started playing online and within two weeks won a World Poker Tour prize package. He soon transitioned to live tournaments, making his first WSOP Main Event appearance in 2006, where he finished 312th for nearly $40,000. His early success prompted him to focus on poker, and he quickly became a regular on the European circuit.

Romanello's biggest career triumph came in December 2010 when he won the European Poker Tour Prague Main Event, defeating a field of 563 players to claim the first prize of €640,000 (approximately $846,180). This remains his largest live cash. The following March, he added another prestigious title at the World Poker Tour Bratislava Main Event, earning €140,000 (about $197,000). These victories cemented his reputation as one of Wales' most successful poker players and put him on the map internationally.

Although Romanello has yet to win a live WSOP bracelet, he captured an online bracelet in 2020 on GGPoker. He won Event #39: $1,500 No Limit Hold'em for $212,613, defeating Niklas Astedt heads-up. This victory made him the ninth player in history to achieve poker's Triple Crown—winning a WSOP bracelet, an EPT Main Event, and a WPT Main Event. As of 2025, he has 38 WSOP in-the-money finishes and total WSOP earnings of over $994,000. His best WSOP Main Event finish remains 312th in 2006. The bracelet win came nine years, seven months, and eight days after his EPT Prague title.

Romanello plays online under the alias "WelshWizard" on partypoker. He is known for an aggressive, pressure-based style that forces opponents into difficult decisions. In one memorable partypoker hand, he recalled a pivotal moment during a high-stakes tournament: Romanello raised from the button, Emiliano Bono re-raised, and Romanello shoved all-in with ace-king, winning a large pot. His aggressive approach has earned him respect from peers and made him a fan favorite. He also participated in the "Before the Game" series, where he discussed his background as a restaurant worker.

Outside of poker, Romanello helps run his family's award-winning fish and chips restaurant in Wales, a business that has operated for over 30 years. He has also worked extensively in the restaurant industry. With more than $5.4 million in lifetime live tournament earnings, he sits atop the Wales All Time Money List, far ahead of any other Welsh player. His 215 recorded cashes include a best live cash of $846,180. Romanello continues to compete on both live and online circuits, representing Welsh poker on the international stage. His Triple Crown achievement and consistent results have secured his legacy as one of the UK's most accomplished poker professionals.

Romanello has been featured in partypoker's "Before the Game" series, where he discussed his transition from a restaurant worker to a professional poker player. His background in the family fish and chip business has been a recurring theme in his media appearances. He has also been interviewed by various poker outlets, sharing insights into his aggressive playing style and career milestones.

As of 2026, Romanello's lifetime live tournament earnings exceed $5.54 million, placing him 443rd on the all-time money list. He continues to be the top-ranked Welsh player, with a best live cash of $846,180 from his EPT Prague victory. His most recent recorded cash was $11,865 in July 2026, demonstrating his enduring competitiveness on the live circuit. He has a total of 215 recorded cashes.

Romanello is a member of Team partypoker, representing the brand in live and online events. He plays online under the alias "WelshWizard" and engages with fans on Twitter via @romanellopoker. His sponsorship deals and social media presence have helped him maintain a strong connection with the poker community.