- Name: Antonio Esfandiari
- Current Age: 43
- Occupation(s): Professional Poker Player, Entrepreneur
- Date of Birth: December 8, 1978
- Place of Birth: Tehran, Iran
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Father – Bejan Esfandiari, Mother – Parviz Esfandiari
- Siblings: None publicly known
- Spouse: Amal Bounahra
- Children: One daughter
- Net Worth: Estimated at $30 million in 2024
- Source of Wealth: Poker Winnings, Business Ventures
- Brand Endorsements: Notable partnerships with major poker brands
- Ventures: Co-founder of Chip Leader Coaching, an online poker coaching platform
- Investments: Diversified portfolio including real estate and tech startups
- Ethnicity: Iranian-American
- Height: 6’1" (185 cm)
- Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
- Notable Works: Winner of three World Series of Poker bracelets, including the $1,000,000 Big One for One Drop in 2012
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Antonio Esfandiari, born Amir Esfandiary in Tehran, Iran, on December 8, 1978, moved to San Jose, California, with his family at the age of nine. He graduated from Del Mar High School in 1997. Esfandiari briefly faced legal trouble after being caught selling marijuana, which led to a short stint in jail. At the age of 19, he changed his name to Antonio and pursued a career as a professional magician, incorporating elaborate chip tricks into his performances.
Rise to Poker Stardom
Esfandiari’s foray into poker began when he was invited to a game of Texas Hold ’em while performing magic. He quickly transitioned into professional poker and gained recognition for his skill and charisma at the table. He won his first World Series of Poker bracelet in 2004 and secured his first World Poker Tour title at the L.A. Poker Classic, earning close to $1.4 million. Esfandiari’s success continued with multiple wins at prestigious tournaments, including two WPT championships and three WSOP bracelets.
Notable Achievements and Records
One of Esfandiari’s most notable victories came in 2012 when he won the "Big One for One Drop," a $1,000,000 buy-in tournament, and claimed the second-largest single payout in tournament poker history at $18,346,673. His total live tournament winnings exceed $27,800,000, and he has been ranked as high as #14 on the Global Poker Index. Esfandiari’s success in the poker world solidified his reputation as one of the top players in the game.
Personal Life and Ventures
Antonio Esfandiari is married to Amal Bounahra, the daughter of poker pro Badih "Bob" Bounahra, and they have a son together. In addition to his poker career, Esfandiari has ventured into various media projects, including co-starring in the TV show "I Bet You" with Phil Laak and making appearances in films like "Freelancers" alongside Robert De Niro. He has also authored a poker strategy book and starred in web reality series showcasing his magic skills on the Las Vegas strip.
Controversies and Public Image
Despite his success in the poker world, Esfandiari has faced scrutiny for certain incidents, such as being disqualified from a tournament for urinating in a bottle as part of a prop bet. However, his talent, charisma, and contributions to the poker community have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the industry. Antonio Esfandiari continues to be a respected and influential presence in the world of professional poker.
Financial Insights:
Antonio Esfandiari’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million in 2024, primarily stemming from his poker winnings and successful business ventures. As a high-stakes poker player, Esfandiari has consistently cashed in major tournaments and secured lucrative sponsorships with top poker brands.
In addition to his poker success, Esfandiari is a savvy entrepreneur, co-founding Chip Leader Coaching, an online platform that offers poker training and coaching services. His investments in real estate and tech startups have also played a significant role in growing his wealth over the years.
Expert Opinions and Citations:
According to industry experts, Esfandiari’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of poker and his business acumen have been key factors in his financial success. His strategic approach to both the game and his investments has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the poker and entrepreneurial spheres.
