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Poker set for a shake-up as ‘The Magician’ returns to the fold

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Published
04/10/2025

The boom in popularity of poker during the early part of the 21st century was a primary contributor to the growth of the global gambling industry.

Numerous online casinos were launched on the back of extensive television coverage of the game and they subsequently became a mainstream entertainment outlet for millions of people worldwide.

However, the growth of online gaming sites also spawned a generation of players who lack the personality of those who made their name in land-based games.

Many of the new-wave of poker players use the controversial ‘Game Theory Optimum’ approach, which traditionalists believe is sucking the life out of the game.

The roots of the strategy are heavily based in mathematics, which effectively creates an almost robotic approach to the way poker is played in the modern era.

Thankfully, professional poker could be set to receive a much-needed shake-up following the recent return to action of one of the game’s most iconic stars.

Antonio Esfandiari was an integral part of the initial poker boom, becoming a household name on the back of his exploits in televised poker tournaments.

His $18,346,673 win at the 2012 Big One for One Drop remains one of the most memorable moments ever broadcast in professional poker.

After not playing much poker over the past few years, ‘The Magician’ showed he had lost none of his talent with a remarkable play in a high-stakes game.

Esfandiari made opponent Brandon Steven look foolish after successfully pulling off a double-check raise on his way to securing an eye-watering a $193,300 pot.

His contemptuous ‘you’re going to be a real big star’ comment as Steven considered his next move was a reminder of why poker fans adore Esfandiari.

The three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner’s return to competitive action could be the catalyst for the game to enjoy another popularity surge.

The Iranian-American’s career achievements highlight why poker became a lifestyle choice for him after he initially attempted to make a living as a magician.

He described his bumper win in 2012 as ‘the ultimate, most euphoric out-of-body experience’ of his life due to the impact it had on his lifestyle

“Because it wasn't just me,” he told the BBC. “My entire family, my friends, my whole world and everybody in it was up. Financially, socially, everything.

“The whole world was watching. Newspapers in France, Israel, Germany and all over the place were writing that somebody had won $18m playing poker.

“With all the experiences I've had in my life, none of them compare to that first minute after realising I had won that tournament.”

Esfandiari has already established himself as one of the greatest poker players of all-time, but his return to the fold could ultimately enhance his legacy.

His presence on the professional circuit will not only allow him to keep enjoying the lifestyle to which he has become accustomed, but may also inspire new players to follow in his footsteps.

 

 

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