Amir Vahedi
Amir Vahedi (February 25, 1961 – January 8, 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 | February 25, 1961 Tehran, Iran |
| Died | January 8, 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
Vahedi was named No Limit Texas hold 'em player of the year in 2001 and was runner-up to Men Nguyen for Card Player Magazine's 2003 Player of the Year. In 2003 he made the final table of the Main Event of the World Series of Poker and finished sixth, earning $250,000. Earlier in the series, he won his first WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 No Limit Hold'em event for $270,000.
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."[3]
Vahedi was also the season three champion of the Ultimate Poker Challenge.
During his lifetime, Vahedi won over $3,250,000 in live tournament play.[4] His nine cashes at the WSOP account for $671,216 of those winnings.[5]
World Series of Poker bracelet
| Year | Event | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | $1,500 No Limit Hold'em | $270,000 |
Personal life
Vahedi 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.[6]
Amir had two brothers, Saeed and Masoud, two sisters, Farideh and Fahimeh. He is survived by his Children Johnathon, Erika, Chanel, and Albaro.[7]
Vahedi died at the age of 48 due to possible complications of diabetes on January 8, 2010.[6]
Notes
- "In Memoriam: Amir Vahedi". WSOP.com. January 11, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
- "Pokerlistings.com profile". Archived from the original on January 14, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2007.
- ESPN.com: Get a winning read by Steve Rosenbloom
- Hendon Mob tournament results
- World Series of Poker Earnings
- Lance Bradley. "Poker Pro Amir Vahedi Passes Away". Bluff Magazine. Archived from the original on May 30, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2010.
- Maria Del Mar. "Mark Seif Speaks About Amir Vahedi's Death and Funeral Info". Poker News Daily. Retrieved January 13, 2010.