Amir Vahedi (25 February 1961 – 8 January 2010)[1] was an Iranian professional poker player born in Tehran, Iran.[2] who won a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet at the 2003 World Series of Poker in the $1,500 No Limit Hold'em event.
| Amir Vahedi | |
|---|---|
 Vahedi at the 2006 World Series of Poker circuit event | |
| Residence | Sherman Oaks, California, U.S. |
| Born | 25 February 1961 Tehran, Iran |
| Died | 8 January 2010 (aged 48) |
| World Series of Poker | |
| Bracelet(s) | 1 |
| Final table(s) | 4 |
| Money finish(es) | 9 |
| Highest ITM Main Event finish | 6th, 2003 |
| World Poker Tour | |
| Title(s) | None |
| Final table(s) | None |
| Money finish(es) | 9 |
World Series of Poker
editIn 2003, Vahedi made the final table of the Main Event of the World Series of Poker and finished sixth, earning $250,000.[3] Earlier in the series, he won his first WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 No Limit Hold'em event for $270,000.[4]
During the 2003 World Series of Poker, in reference to the natural tendency of players to tighten up on the bubble (when only a few eliminations are left to the money), Vahedi stated: "In order to live, you must be willing to die."[5]
Vahedi was also the season three champion of the Ultimate Poker Challenge.[6]
During his lifetime, Vahedi won over $3,250,000 in live tournament play.[7] His nine cashes at the WSOP account for $671,216 of those winnings.[8]
World Series of Poker bracelet
edit| Year | Event | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | $1,500 No Limit Hold'em | $270,000 |
Personal life
editVahedi served in the Iranian army during the Iran–Iraq War before becoming a war refugee and immigrating to the US, settling in Sherman Oaks, California. He was one of Ben Affleck's early poker tutors.[9]
Vahedi died at the age of 48 due to possible complications of diabetes on 8 January 2010.[9]
References
edit- ^ "In Memoriam: Amir Vahedi". WSOP.com. 11 January 2010. Retrieved 13 January 2010.
- ^ "Amir Vahedi". PokerListings.com. Archived from the original on 14 January 2010. Retrieved 22 November 2007.
- ^ "34th World Series of Poker - WSOP 2003, World Championship Event". The Hendon Mob. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ "34th World Series of Poker - WSOP 2003, No Limit Hold'em". The Hendon Mob. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ Rosenbloom, Steve (18 January 2006). "Get a winning read". ESPN.com. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ "Ultimate Poker Challenge, UPC Final - No Limit Hold'em". The Hendon Mob. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ "Amir Vahedi's profile on The Hendon Mob". The Hendon Mob Poker Database. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ "Amir Vahedi". WSOP.com. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ a b Bradley, Lance (10 January 2010). "Poker Pro Amir Vahedi Passes Away". Bluff Magazine. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2010.