Farzad Bonyadi

Farzad Bonyadi, also known as “Freddy,” is an Iranian-American professional poker player based in Aliso Viejo, California. Born in 1959 in Tehran, Iran, he has amassed total live earnings exceeding $4.7 million and holds four WSOP bracelets. Notably, his best live cash of $1,061,900 was achieved when he finished as the runner-up in the Ninth Annual Five Star World Poker Classic event in May 2011, held in Las Vegas.

Farzad Bonyadi: Early Life

Farzad Bonyadi is originally from Tehran, Iran. He first learned poker by watching his grandfather host home games with friends and neighbors. This early exposure ignited his passion for the game. In 1983, he moved to America and started working in the poker scene. He began as an executive host at the LA Commerce Casino and later became a shift manager at Hollywood Park Casino. These experiences helped him transition to a professional player, allowing him to compete in some of the biggest cash games in Los Angeles.

Freddy’s 4 WSOP Bracelets

• April 1998 $2,000 Limit Hold’em at the 29th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $429,940)
• May 2004 $1,000 Deuce to Seven Triple Draw at the 35th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $86,980)
• June 2005 $2,500 No Limit Hold’em at the 36th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $594,960)
• October 2021 $10,000 No Limit 2-7 Lowball Championship at the 52nd WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $297,051)

Farzad Bonyadi: Live Tournament Participation

Farzad Bonyadi began his poker career in March 1994. He participated in a $200 + $25 Limit Hold’em tournament at the Winnin’ o’ The Green in Bell Gardens, Los Angeles. Bpnyadi finished in 9th place and pocketed $848.

In January 2000, Bonyadi competed in a $5,000 + $80 Championship Event No Limit Hold’em at the Carnivale of Poker III in Las Vegas. He finished in 2nd place, earning $201,400.

Moving forward to April 2005, he played in a $3,000 + $100 No Limit Hold’em event at the Third Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic in Las Vegas. He again finished in 2nd place, winning $153,530.

Later that year, in July 2005, Bonyadi took part in a $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold’em World Championship at the 36th WSOP in Las Vegas. He placed 41st and took home $235,390.

His best live cash came in May 2011 at the Ninth Annual Five Star World Poker Classic in Las Vegas. He finished in 2nd place in a $25,000 + $500 No Limit Hold’em Championship, receiving $1,061,900 in prize money.

Most recently, in June 2024, Bonyadi entered a $5,000 No Limit Hold’em Seniors High Roller (50+) Bracelet Event during the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished in 18th place and cashed for $22,202.

Conclusion

Farzad Bonyadi, or “Freddy,” is a notable figure in poker with over thirty years of experience. He’s won four WSOP bracelets and amassed over $4.7 million in live earnings. Starting from home games in Tehran, Freddy’s passion and dedication have made him a respected presence in the poker community.