Renowned Razz player and sports betting legend Steve "Fats" Diano has passed away.

Steve "Fats" Diano, a legendary figure in the poker and sports betting world, has passed away from cancer. He was a multiple WSOP final table finisher and enjoyed a prestigious reputation in the sports betting industry.

On Monday, the poker world received the sad news that Steve "Fats" Dio had passed away.

Professional sports betting player Gadoon "Spanky" Kyrollos shared this news on social media:

"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Steven 'Fats' Diano," he wrote. "Fats battled cancer for a long time. He was one of the most insightful people I knew, and his deadpan humor was unmatched."

Diano has been a familiar face at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) for many years. In 2005, he finished sixth in the 1TP 4T 5,000 Seven-Card Stud event, and the following year he finished third in the 1TP 4T 1,500 Razz event. In 2009 and 2010, he had a deep run in the same Razz tournament, finishing seventh and thirteenth respectively.

Diano's last tournament winnings came in June 2018 when he finished fifth in the Golden Nugget Big Poker Series #63:$250 Triple Stud. According to The Hendon Mob, Diano has accumulated $268,016 in tournament winnings since 2005.

Although Diano is an avid poker player, he is actually a legendary sports betting player. Here is his self-description in the Sports Betting Hall of Fame's "Meet the Board" profile:

“I’ve lived in Las Vegas for over 30 years. I started as a deliveryman for a group called ‘Philly Crew.’ Three months later, I was in charge of managing the group’s delivery services in Las Vegas. I left the group for a year to work for Billy Walters, and then have been operating independently since the mid-90s. Along the way, I’ve worked with many of the most discerning groups, and I’ve learned that: ‘In this industry, success isn’t about what you know or who you know, but about what the people you know know.’ In June 2021, I moved to Michigan to be closer to my grandchildren, but I still make a living from sports betting.”

In an article commemorating Diano, Sportsvestment wrote:

He's also a very funny guy. A playful and hilarious comedian. He'll give "hats" and "coins" all sorts of accents, making the whole room burst into laughter (except for Mrs. Fats)—his predictions are spot-on, but this comedic element is always part of it. That's Fats for you.

His character is also reflected in how he treats others. Just ask Omar. The two of them had a period of intense friction—the kind of conflict that usually ends a relationship. But it eventually transformed into a deep mutual respect and genuine friendship, forged in competition. That's Fats: a man who can turn an opponent into a brother.

He rests in peace now, leaving behind, as Omar said, a Hall of Famer. They called him "Fats," a nickname that never referred merely to his physique—but to the breadth of his heart. This is precisely what the community feels most deeply missing. Rest in peace, Fats. Forty years of glory, a lifetime of genuine friendship—and countless long-distance calls. Your passing will surpass the depth of our longing that words can convey.

PokerNews extends its deepest condolences to Steve Diano's family and friends.

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