Antonio Esfandiari

Antonio Esfandiari

Professional poker player
Date of Birth: 08.12.1978
Country: Iran

Professional Poker Player
Antonio Esfandiari is a professional poker player who has achieved great success in the world of poker. He is the proud owner of three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and has also emerged as the winner of a World Poker Tour tournament.

Early Life and Career
Antonio's family relocated to San Jose, California when he was just nine years old. At the age of 19, he changed his name to Antonio, which was more fitting for his life in the Mexican community of San Jose. It was during this time that he began showcasing his card tricks. His skill caught the attention of the organizers of a hold'em tournament, which served as his entry point into the world of professional poker.

WSOP Victory
In 2012, during the WSOP-2012 - Big One for One Drop tournament in Las Vegas, Antonio emerged victorious in a thrilling heads-up battle against Sam Trickett from the United Kingdom. This victory earned him a WSOP bracelet and a staggering prize of $18,346,673, the largest cash prize ever awarded in the history of poker.

Life on the Road
As he travels from one tournament to another, Antonio often finds himself living with fellow poker player Phil Laak. In 2012, he even made a cameo appearance in the film "The Baytown Outlaws," playing the role of a postman who delivers a package.

Controversy at PCA 2016
On January 11, 2016, Esfandiari was disqualified from the Main Event of the PCA 2016 for a "serious etiquette violation." He was caught urinating in a bottle during the tournament. However, he later publicly apologized and explained that it was a bet that pushed him to take such actions.

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