Antonio Esfandiari, once a young magician, fell under the spell of poker. His love for illusion and strategy led him to the poker tables, where he became one of the most successful players. Esfandiari has earned over $27.8 million in live winnings, secured two WPT Championship titles, three WSOP bracelets, and claimed the second-biggest single payout in tournament history.
Today’s casino news will discuss Antonio Esfandiari’s poker career and show how he magically won various tournaments.
Antonio Esfandiari: Poker Journey: From Magician to Millionaire
Amir Esfandiary, widely known as Antonio Esfandiari, was born in Tehran, Iran, on December 8, 1978. In his teens, he was attracted to card tricks and illusion and looked forward to becoming a magician after high school.
When he was nine years old, his family relocated to San Jose, California, USA, because of the intermittent unrest in Iran.
Antonio Esfandiari attended Del Mar High School in San Jose. After graduation, he ventured into magic, learning tricks and illusions with cards. Along the way, he changed his Iranian name, Amir Esfandiary, to a more American-fitting version, Antonio Esfandiari.
During his time performing card tricks and illusions, Antonio encountered poker. In one of his magical shows, where he performed, his friend invited him to play poker at the Garden City Club in San Jose. He understands how card games work, applies this knowledge to casino games, and wins the $30 buy-in tournament.
After the game, Esfandiari began to hone his skills. He played low-limit cash games for several hours and mastered the art of putting on a poker face.
Beginning of an Illustrious Poker Career
Antonio Esfandiari poker journey is as magical as the game itself. In 2002, he debuted at the LA Poker Classic. Two years later, in 2004, at age 15, he competed in the WPT LA Poker Classic $9,900 + 100 No Limit Hold ’em Championship. He finished first in the high-stakes event to win a substantial $1.399 million. He became the youngest player to win seven-figure prize money and a televised WPT event.
The same year, Esfandiari won his first WSOP bracelet and $184,860 at the 35th WSOP series after finishing 1st in the $2,000 Pot Limit Hold ’em.
Antonio Esfandiari: Continued Poker Success
In 2005, he secured a 3rd place finish in the Heads-Up No Limit Hold ’em tournament, earning a hefty $125,000. He was at the Third Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic just a month later, where he placed 3rd in the $5,000 + 150 No Limit Hold ’em event for another $122,035.
Again, in 2005, he competed in the 2005 Bayou Poker Challenge, a WSOP Circuit event in New Orleans. He pulled off another impressive performance in the $5,000 + 150 No Limit Hold ’em Championship, finishing in 3rd place and taking home $221,445.
Antonio Esfandiari: International Poker Journey
In 2008, Antonio Esfandiari finished 8th place in the €10,600 No Limit Hold ’em event at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Grand Final in Monte Carlo. He walked away with €168,000 (roughly $183,023) for having a winning hand in poker.
Fast forward to 2009, and the magician was back in Vegas for the WSOP. He competed in the $10,000 World Championship No Limit Hold ’em event. Facing about 6,494 players, he finished 24th, winning an impressive $352,832.
In 2010, Antonio Esfandiari competed in the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond Classic in Las Vegas. He finished 1st, defeating 438 players in the $10,000 + 300 No Limit Hold ’em Championship event, earning him a whopping $870,124.
The magical streak continued in 2012 at the WSOP, where he navigated his gameplay to a 3rd place finish in the $3,000 No Limit Hold ’em Shootout event and won $151,613.
The Astonishing WSOP Big One for One Drop Win
2012 was a record-setting year for Antonio Esfandiari. He entered the WSOP $1,000,000 “Big One for One Drop” event, where he played against 48 poker pros, including Phil Hellmuth. He won this event to earn his second WSOP bracelet and $18,346,673 cash prize. It was the biggest single payout in tournament history as of then.
Antonio Esfandiari net worth rose sharply with this win. During this period, he also ranked first on the All-Time Money List.
Later that year, he flew to Cannes, France, for the WSOP Europe. There, he won the €1,000 + 100 No Limit Hold ’em event, earning €126,207 (approximately $164,655) and his second WSOP bracelet.
Antonio Esfandiari competed in the WSOP again in 2013. He finished 4th in the $111,111 No Limit Hold ’em “One Drop High Roller” event, securing a $1,433,438 payout.
In 2014, he traveled to the Bahamas for the PCA. Antonio came 4th again in the $98,000 + 2,000 No Limit Hold ’em “Super High Roller” event, winning $575,920. After this game, his last tournament was in 2019.
So, what happened to Antonio Esfandiari? He disappeared to play video poker online! A true magician, they say, never reveals his tricks. Just kidding, that wasn’t the reason.
Antonio’s Personal Life and Impact on Poker
Antonio Esfandiari has a family he now dedicates his time to. Amal Bounahra is the name of Antonio Esfandiari wife. She gave birth to their son in 2015, which caused his priority to change. He said he gains more happiness from being around his family. In 2013, he authored “The Magician’s Secrets for Winning Tournaments on Instinct.” This poker strategy book revealed his unique gaming philosophy and the secret of his successful career. You can also improve your skill and knowledge with the information offered in our American casino guide section.
Conclusion
Antonio Esfandiari has etched his name in the books, and his legendary wins will continue to be discussed. He moved from being a magician to a renowned high skates champion. He dared to dream and worked to make it a reality. To make your gaming dreams come true, visit Slots Paradise Casino.
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