John D'agostino is one of the new generation of young players who are making the brunsons and prestons of the world contemplate the benefits of retirement. As we all know, nobody likes to lose. It is even more grating to a seasoned veteran when they find themselves being knocked out of a tournament by a player who was not alive when the Michael Jackson album "Thriller" was released. As it has turned out, a lot of very good players have found themselves being knocked out of tournaments as John waves to them on his way to the final table.
John began his poker career in his home state of Connecticut as a specialist in Limit Hold'em. His tournament career began a scant few days after he called legally be served from the bar. What fun is tournament poker if all you are ordering from the waitress is sparkling water and Mr.Pibb? He first got the attention and respect of his fellow players with an impressive 2nd place finish at the 2004 Poker Championship at Turning Stone. He followed this runner up finish with a final table appearance at the 2004 United States Poker Championship. He came to the table with huge chip lead, and may well have won this tournament if fickle fate had not intervened. He suffered a bad beat at the hands of Hoyt Corkins who beat his pocket pair of tens with an unlikely quartet of 7's. John was ousted in 6th place.John learned his lesson well from this defeat, and since has been a regular visitor to the final table. Recently he has finished 2nd at both the 2006 Jack Binion WSOP Tournament Circuit - Grand Tunica and the 2006 Borgata Winter Poker Open.
He has not been playing professionally for very long and still his career has the accomplishments that a number of veterans would trade their immortal soul for. John may well be one of the cornerstones of the game as his career moves on.
