Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari
Antonio Esfandiari was born Amir Esfandiari on December 8, 1978 in Tehran, Iran and he and his family moved to San Jose, California when he was 9 years old. When Amir was 19, he changed his name to Antonio.
While Antonio was working as a waiter, he saw a bartender perform a magic trick and was instantly intrigued. He bought magic supplies, and started learning magic. He practiced for two years, twelve hours a day, and by the time he was twenty he was working as a professional magician.
Antonio was eventually introduced to Texas Hold 'em. Antonio made people take notice in 2002 at the WPT 49'er Gold Rush Bonanza when he placed third for $44,000. It was his first major tournament win. The next year he made the final table at the 2003 WSOP in the $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em tournament. Then in 2004, Antonio won $1,399,135 in the LA Poker Classic WPT Main Event - No Limit Hold'em at the Commerce Casino. A few months later Esfandiari won his first World Series of Poker bracelet in Pot-Limit Texas Hold 'em and $184,860.
Antonio Esfandiari appeared in the 2nd and 3rd seasons of the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament. Antonio finished dead last in the 2nd season, but he was able to redeem himself with an impressive 2nd place finish the third season. He was also in the 1st four seasons of the GSN series High Stakes Poker and each season of NBC's Poker After Dark.
Fun Facts:
- Was once roommates with good friend Phil Laak.
- Hopes to open a magic-theme restaurant.
- Currently co-starring in the TV show, I Bet You, on MOJO HD with Phil Laak.
- Wrote the book "World Poker Tour: In the Money"