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Noted Razz Player & Sports Betting Legend Steve “Fats” Diano Passes Away
Steve "Fats" Diano, a renowned figure in both the poker and sports betting communities, has passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
TL;DR
Steve "Fats" Diano, known for his prowess in Razz poker and his legendary status as a sports bettor, has died. Diano was a familiar presence at the WSOP and a mentor to many, including poker pro Allen Kessler.
The poker world was saddened by the news on Monday, June 29, 2026, of the passing of Steve "Fats" Diano. Professional sports bettor Gadoon "Spanky" Kyrollos announced Diano's death on social media, noting his long fight with cancer and praising him as one of the sharpest individuals he had ever known, with a distinctive dry sense of humor.
Diano was a consistent participant at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) for many years. His notable finishes included a sixth place in the $5,000 Seven Card Stud Event in 2005 and a third-place finish in the $1,500 Razz event in 2006. He also made deep runs in the $1,500 Razz tournament in subsequent years, securing seventh place in 2009 and 13th place in 2010. Beyond his tournament play, Diano was a mentor in both poker and life to numerous individuals, including poker professional Allen Kessler.
His last recorded tournament cash was in June 2018, where he placed fifth in Event #63: $250 Triple Stud at the Golden Nugget’s Grand Poker Series. According to Hendon Mob, Diano's total lifetime tournament earnings amounted to $268,016, with results dating back to 2005.
While a prominent poker player, Diano was more widely recognized as a legendary figure in sports betting. In his "Meet the Board" profile for the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame, Diano detailed his three-decade career in Las Vegas, beginning as a runner for the "Philly Crew" and eventually managing their Vegas operations. He temporarily worked for Billy Walters before establishing his own independent career in sports betting from the mid-1990s onward, collaborating with various sharp groups.
Diano moved to Michigan in June 2021 to be closer to his grandchildren but continued his work in sports betting.
