Hand History Time Capsule: Antonio EsfandiariAntonio 'The Magician' Esfandiari Wins First WPT Title at the 2004 LA Poker Classicby Erik Fast | Published: Apr 01, 2012 |
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In this series, “Hand History Time Capsule,” Card Player digs up memorable hands to help you relive, or perhaps discover for the first time, pivotal situations from some of poker’s most exciting moments. The Los Angeles Poker Classic Main Event at the Commerce Casino has had many great champions in its twenty-year history, including Phil Ivey, Michael Mizrachi and Gus Hansen. One of the most recognizable names to make his first big breakthrough at the LAPC is Antonio Esfandiari, who won the 2004 main event, filmed for the World Poker Tour’s second season, for just under $1.4 million. Before making this final table, Esfandiari had only roughly $94,000 in tournament earnings to his name. With this win, the flashy cash-game grinder and former professional magician was introduced to the poker world, and a star was born. At the time, this event’s $3,781,500 prize pool was the largest in WPT history, ...
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