Antonio Esfandiari

Childhood

Esfandiari’s early life was shaped by significant upheaval. Born in Tehran, he and his family moved to San Jose, California, when he was nine years old, fleeing the turmoil following the Iran-Iraq war and the Islamic Revolution. His mother soon left the family, leaving his father, Bijan Esfandiari, to raise Antonio and his younger brother Pasha, who would also later become a poker player. Growing up in a new culture and environment, Antonio struggled to fit in, which led to a brief incarceration after he was caught selling marijuana during his high school years. He graduated from Del Mar High School in 1997 and vowed to avoid illegal activities thereafter.

At 19, seeking a fresh identity aligned with his passion, he changed his name to Antonio, believing it sounded more mystical and suited his aspirations as a magician. He also underwent cosmetic surgery to appear less foreign, reflecting his desire to assimilate and reinvent himself.

Career

Antonio’s career began in the world of magic. Inspired by a bartender’s tricks while working as a waiter, he immersed himself in learning illusions and card tricks, practicing up to 12 hours daily. His magic performances earned him extra tips and eventually led him to become a full-time professional magician. Poker entered his life when he was invited to a Texas Hold’em game, where his skills in sleight of hand and reading opponents gave him an edge. Gradually, poker became his primary focus, with magic serving as an entertaining complement at the table.

Multiple high-profile victories and accolades distinguish Esfandiari’s poker career. In 2004, he won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in pot-limit Texas Hold'em and secured his first World Poker Tour (WPT) title at the L.A. Poker Classic, earning nearly $1.4 million. He continued to build his reputation with appearances on televised poker shows such as High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark.

His most notable achievement came in 2012 when he won the "Big One for One Drop," a $1,000,000 buy-in tournament benefiting the One Drop Foundation. This victory earned him $18,346,673, the second-largest single payout in tournament poker history. That same year, he won his third WSOP bracelet at the World Series of Poker Europe. By 2023, his total live tournament earnings surpassed $27.8 million, making him one of the highest-earning tournament players in history.

Esfandiari also co-starred in the TV show I Bet You and appeared in other media, including a cameo in the movie Freelancers (2012) and the web series Strip Magic (2014), where he combined his magic and poker skills.

Personal life

Antonio Esfandiari is married to Amal Bounahra, daughter of Lebanese-Belizean poker professional Badih "Bob" Bounahra. The couple welcomed a son on January 7, 2015. Esfandiari’s family ties and personal relationships have been a source of stability and inspiration throughout his career.

Revenue

Antonio’s tournament winnings exceed $27.8 million as of 2023, with his largest single payout of over $18 million from the 2012 Big One for One Drop event. His estimated net worth ranges between $25 million and $30 million, reflecting his success in poker tournaments, endorsements, and media appearances.

Interesting facts

Antonio’s nickname, "The Magician," originates from his background as a professional magician and his ability to perform elaborate chip tricks at the poker table.

He changed his birth name from Amir to Antonio at age 19 to create a more mystical persona.

Esfandiari was briefly jailed in his youth but turned his life around to become a top poker professional.

He is known for blending magic and poker, entertaining audiences with card tricks during tournaments.

In 2016, he was disqualified from a tournament for urinating in a bottle as part of a prop bet, showing his playful and risk-taking personality.

Legacy

Antonio Esfandiari’s legacy in the poker world is marked by his unique combination of showmanship and skill. He helped popularize poker by bringing a magician’s flair to the game, captivating audiences worldwide. His record-breaking win at the Big One for One Drop remains one of the most iconic moments in poker history. Beyond his earnings and titles, Esfandiari’s influence is felt in how he elevated the entertainment aspect of poker and inspired a new generation of players to blend personality with professionalism.