Hamid Dastmalchi

Hamid Dastmalchi is an Iranian-American professional poker player from San Diego, California, with over $1.8 million in live tournament earnings. He has won a total of three WSOP bracelets during his poker career. One at the 17th WSOP in 1986, another at the 23rd WSOP in 1992, and his third at the 24th WSOP in 1993. His biggest live cash came in May 1992 when he won $1,000,000 along with his second WSOP bracelet.

What Happened to Former Poker Pro Dastmalchi?

In 1999, Dastmalchi faced a major dispute with Binion’s Horseshoe casino when he tried to cash in $750,000 in chips and was denied payment. The dispute dragged on for months and ultimately involved the Nevada Gaming Board, which ruled in his favor. Despite receiving his payment, the conflict soured his relationship with the casino. Following the dispute, Dastmalchi boycotted the WSOP for several years and even sold one of his WSOP bracelets, reflecting his deep frustration with the casino. Since then, there has been no confirmed information about his current activities or whereabouts.

Hamid Dastmalchi: Live Tournament Participation

Hamid Dastmalchi’s first recorded live cash occurred in January during the 1985 Stairway to the Stars in Las Vegas. He finished in 5th place in a $1,000 Limit Hold’em, cashing $10,450.

In January 1986, Hamid played in a $2,500 No Limit Hold’em at the Grand Prix of Poker in Las Vegas. He clinched victroy and won $130,500.

Later in May of that year, he participated in a $1,500 No Limit Hold’em at the 17th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Hamid another clinched victory and $165,000 added to his winnings.

At the 23rd WSOP on May 11th, 1992, he clinched his second bracelet. Hamid took part in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – World Championship and won his biggest live cash of $1,000,000.

Year later, on May 4th, 1993, Hamid entered in a $2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em at the 24th WSOP. He continued his winning streak by clinching his 3rd bracelet and won $114,000.

Luck favored him as he cashed $173,000 in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – World Championship at the 26th WSOP in May 1995, finishing in 4th place.

Most recently, in May 2002, he competed in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Final at the Five Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas. Hamid placed 14th and took home $15,303.