Antonio Esfandiari, known as “The Magician” in poker circles, has made a splashy return to high-stakes action. In a recent appearance on PokerGO’s No Gamble No Future, Esfandiari pulled off an audacious double check-raise, leaving the table buzzing and viewers in awe.
The move not only showcased Esfandiari’s poker prowess but also highlighted the banter and mind games that have made him a fan favorite over the years. Here’s how the hand unfolded.
A Full House on the Turn
Esfandiari started the hand with 8♠ 6♠ and a stack of $313,000. The flop came A♣ 8♥ 6♥, giving him two pair. True to his reputation for deceptive play, Esfandiari checked, as did the other three players in the hand.
When the 8♣ landed on the turn, Esfandiari’s hand improved to a full house. Again, he checked, letting Brandon Steven, who held J♣ 4♣, bet $4,000 with a flush draw. Jennifer Tilly folded, but Esfandiari sprang into action with a check-raise to $13,000. Steven, with $160,000 behind, made the call.
A Flush and a Trap
The river brought the 3♣, completing Steven’s flush. Esfandiari, unfazed, checked once more, setting up the perfect trap. Steven, sensing an opportunity, bet $27,000.
Esfandiari then executed his second check-raise, this time to $79,000, pushing the pot over $141,000. Steven, visibly uncomfortable, began a lengthy deliberation.
Table Talk and Tension
As Steven wrestled with his decision, the table talk added to the drama. “Six-eight, huh? Probably flopped a set maybe,” Steven mused, trying to piece together Esfandiari’s possible hands.
Esfandiari remained stoic, a hallmark of his gameplay, but couldn’t resist adding a comment. When Steven revealed, “I have a flush,” Esfandiari quipped, “You’re going to be a real big star.”
Steven continued to analyse the hand aloud. “I called your check-raise on the turn, and you check-raised the river again. Man, that’s freaking ballsy as hell. How do you know I’m going to bet?”
Eventually, Steven called, and Esfandiari raked in a pot worth $193,300. The Magician’s play had worked to perfection, demonstrating the same brilliance that earned him millions during poker’s boom years.
A Career of Iconic Moments
Esfandiari has long been one of poker’s most charismatic players. His resume includes two World Poker Tour titles (2004, 2010) and three World Series of Poker bracelets. His most memorable win came in 2012, when he triumphed in the $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop, taking home $18.4 million—the largest single payout in poker history.
Despite stepping back from the game in recent years to focus on his family, Esfandiari has been dipping his toes back into the high-stakes waters. His return has been marked by success, including a significant win on Hustler Casino Live and a notable appearance at Global Poker’s Table Talk, where he played alongside Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and Formula 1 stars Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr.
Why This Hand Resonates
Esfandiari’s double check-raise was a masterclass in reading his opponent and manipulating the action. It also highlighted his unique ability to blend strategic brilliance with entertaining table presence. Moments like these remind fans why Esfandiari became such a beloved figure during poker’s golden era.
His mix of psychological warfare, bold moves, and genuine charm has cemented his status as one of the game’s greats. And if his recent form is any indication, The Magician is far from done conjuring memorable moments at the poker table.
