A Moving Tribute to Gianni Giaroni
Before the tournament dealers were ordered to shuffle up and deal, tournament director Thomas Kremser first made the sad announcement of the death of the popular Italian poker player, Gianni Giaroni.
Giaroni was known as "The Professor" and one of the most popular players on the Italian and European tournament circuits. During his career he won more than $1,100,000 but also won a place in many of his fellow players' hearts.
Italian Team PokerStars Pro, Luca Pagano said a few words in Italian in remembrance of Giaroni before a short video clip was played on the large screens around the room showing Giaroni in action at the felt sporting his trademark smile.
As the screen displayed "Ciao Giaroni" the room burst into a round of applause in honour of one of the nicest men to have played the game of poker.
Gianni Giaroni who passed away on March 11 after a short and sudden illness.