Career
Alto was a fixture at the World Series of Poker in the 1970s and 1980s. Alto was one of the final five players at the 1974 final table finishing either fourth or fifth according to New York Times magazine story from July 28, 1974. Alto made his first Main Event final table in 1976 where he finished as the runner-up to Doyle Brunson.
In the final hand of the 1976 WSOP Alto held A♣ J♥ while Brunson held 10♠ 2♠.
The flop came A♥ J♠ 10♥ giving two pairs for Alto and one pair for Brunson. Alto then led out with a pot size bet, Brunson with the chip lead countered by moving all-in, which was called.
Alto made the WSOP Main Event final table 5 times: 1976, 1978, 1984, 1985 and 1986. Alto"s total live tournament winnings exceeded $430,000.