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 Antonio
Esfandiari is one of the 'young guns' of the game. He's definitely young and already a million-dollar winner. He used
to be a magician. Now, he just plays like one on the green felt.
If you haven’t seen the "Magician" in action yet, what are you waiting for? He combines a great intuitive sense
with solid poker skills. Recently, I had a chance to talk with Antonio about his love of the game.
DG: So, Antonio, How long have you been playing poker professionally?
AE: I’ve only been playing for about 3-4 years.
DG: What prompted you to take this on as a career?
AE: I decided to turn pro when I started making more money playing poker than doing magic. I just decided to go out and do this. I guess I saw the
‘truth’ at the Poker table, sort of like in the “Matrix.” For me the truth was Poker.
DG: What’s been your greatest poker moment?
AE: Last hand of the final event at the
LA Poker Classic.
I had two aces and then he (Vinny Vinh, second place finisher) moved all in on me. That was a great moment.
DG: You used to be a magician. I’m curious - how did you make the leap from magic to poker?
AE: Both involve cards. I’ve never used magic to win at Poker. In both careers, you have to interact with people. As a magician, I learned how to
gauge human behavior. That helps a lot when you’re trying to read other players.
DG: You’ve already accomplished a great deal and are considered one of the superstars of poker. What else would you like to accomplish?
AE: I am pretty happy with my poker success so far. I just want to play my best this next year. After I won the last tournament, I got a little lazy.
I want to play my best game. Win or lose, as long as I play my best game, I’m happy.
DG: What advice do you have for aspiring poker pros out there?
AE: Give up gambling. I consider poker a game of skill. It’s hard to break through and win. If you make it, you can really do well and have a great time.
But 90% of people won’t make it big in Poker. Then, it’s not quite so fun.
DG: Do you think that math skills or intuitive knowledge will take you farther in the game?
AE: Intuitive skills. Being able to read a situation is vital.
DG: As a member of UltimateBet.com I’ve noticed that you are now a member of the ‘pro team’. Do you prefer internet to face-to-face poker?
AE: I prefer live poker. I like playing in the club. I think I’m a much better player when I can see my opponent.
DG: That leads me to my next question. Poker, specifically Texas Hold ‘Em, has gained exponentially in popularity in large part due to the internet
and television exposure. Do you feel that this popularity is good for the game or not?
AE: I think it’s great for the game. So many people are playing. No Limit (Texas Hold ‘Em) was a dying game and the exposure has brought new life to it.
DG: Is there anything else you’d like my readers to know about you that we haven’t covered here?
AE: I like to just live and enjoy life. I don’t let things bother me. If something bad happens, people should learn to let it go. You should live
every day and let it happen. Life is short.
Don’t forget to check out Antonio on the World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel. He’s bound to make more final tables. |
