Antonio Esfandiari

Antonio Esfandiari, was born on December 8th, 1978, in Tehran, Iran. He’s an Iranian-American poker pro, famed for his $18.35M win at the 2012 Big One for One Drop Event. He boasts a career cash total of $27.8 million, holds 3 WSOP bracelets, and has graced classic poker TV shows. Prior to his poker career, he impressed as a magician, earning him the fitting nickname, “The Magician.”

Antonio Esfandiari: Early Life

The poker world hosts diverse individuals, from pros with business backgrounds to celebrity players making their mark on the felt. Esfandiari’s popularity in professional poker stems from his exceptional skills and a former career as a magician, adding intrigue. Indeed, Esfandiari earned the nickname “The Magician” in poker due to his prior career in magic before focusing on poker.

Born as Amir Esfandiari, he moved to the United States with his father and brother at age 9. His family played a central role in his life, with his father serving as his hero. Esfandiari faced the challenges of fitting in as an immigrant but eventually graduated from Del Mar High School in 1997. A brief encounter with legal trouble led to his commitment never to engage in illegal activities again.

Esfandiari’s journey took a magical turn when he discovered his passion for card tricks and adopted the name Antonio. He became a professional magician, earning a reputation as “Antonio, The Magician.” However, his life underwent a dramatic transformation when he encountered poker through Lee Jones’ book, “Winning Low Limit Hold’em.” He transitioned from a waiter and magician to a poker player, setting the stage for his rise to poker stardom.

Antonio Esfandiari: Poker Career

Antonio Esfandiari had a breakthrough year in poker last 2004. He won nearly $1.4 million at the Los Angeles Poker Classic, a notable World Poker Tour event. Shortly afterward, he earned a coveted WSOP bracelet, winning the $2,000 Pot Limit Hold ’em event for nearly $185K. His achievements brought him into the spotlight, securing invitations to top poker TV shows like Poker Superstars, High Stakes Poker, and Poker After Dark.

Esfandiari’s next significant victory arrived in 2008 at the EPT Grand Final in Monte Carlo, where he reached the final table and secured 8th place, earning $265,835. His best performance in the WSOP Main Event occurred in the following year, finishing 24th and claiming $352,832. In 2010, he clinched his second WPT title, winning the $10,000 Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic and taking home $870,124.

Esfandiari achieved his greatest poker feat by winning the $1 million buy-in The Big One for One Drop event last 2012. He defeated 48 players, including poker pros and wealthy individuals. He claimed the record-breaking prize of $18,346,673 and dedicated the victory to his father, Bejan Esfandiari, pledging to give him the platinum Richard Mille bracelet he received for winning the event. The tournament aimed to support the One Drop Foundation, founded by Canadian entrepreneur Guy Laliberte.

Esfandiari continued his impressive poker year in 2012. He secured another victory at the 2012 WSOP Europe, winning the €1,100 NLHE, earning $164,655 and his third gold bracelet. His success garnered mainstream media attention, including an appearance on the Howard Stern Show. Esfandiari dominated the final table, sealing his victory with a strong two-pair hand against Remi Bollengier.

In the subsequent year, Esfandiari entered the 44th WSOP’s $111,111 NLH One Drop High Roller event. Despite reaching the final table, he suffered an early elimination due to a significant hand loss. He ultimately secured 4th place for $1,433,438.

Where is Antonio Esfandiari now?

Esfandiari has taken a step back from competitive poker in recent years. He withdrew from poker in 2019 and stopped WSOP commentary, despite previous prominence in the game. While he occasionally appears in streamed cash games, his presence in the poker world has diminished.

In addition to his poker success, Esfandiari partnered with Phil Laak and became a fixture on shows like High Stakes Poker. However, in recent years, he’s focused on his family, as he’s married with three children, and prioritizes spending time with them over poker.

In a candid interview, he reflects on his career highs and lows, including winning the WSOP One Drop event and his lowest point when he missed out on a significant payday. Esfandiari also talked about his family life, love for skiing, and how he evolved his outlook on life, influenced by friends like Bill Perkins.

Despite his love for poker, Esfandiari acknowledged that the game has changed dramatically, with tougher competition and less room for profit.

Conclusion

Antonio Esfandiari’s journey from magic to poker, marked by significant victories and a world record-breaking win at the 2012 Big One for One Drop event which solidified his status as a poker legend. Esfandiari stepped back from poker for family but remains a beloved figure due to charisma and contributions to the game. His advice to aspiring poker players reflects the changing landscape of the game, emphasizing the importance of considering alternative career paths in the modern era of poker.