Watching Antonio 'The Magician' Esfandiari play poker, a line from the movie Gladiator comes to mind: “Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?”
Esfandiari is right at home on the felt, entertaining the table, needling opponents, battling with friends and frenemies alike, and having as much or more fun than anyone in the room.
“I just feel that poker or anything you do is more fun when there's interaction,” shared Esfandiari. “When I work out, I like to work out with a couple of buddies. When I'm playing cards, there are eight other people at the table. Are you going to sit there in silence watching each other?
“Sure. Sometimes people do give away information about their hands. But that's not really the reason for the conversations at the table. When I was younger, I was intentionally trying to get information, but these days, probably not as much. I just want to have a good time.”
Watch the full episode above now, or check below for links to the audio podcasts.
Antonio Esfandiari might have been fishing for information when he was younger – now he talks for fun.Drew Amato
Antonio Esfandiari might have been fishing for information when he was younger – now he talks for fun.
Booking action with the kids
These days, you're more likely to find Esfandiari on a sunny beach or a ski slope with his wife and three children than at a poker table.
The real magic now happens away from the tables, and he savors every minute – even when the kids take a few prop bets off him.
“It's so funny. Any dispute that comes up, my two sons are automatically like, ‘You want to bet? Let's bet this.’
Of course, the betting doesn’t stop there.
“I bet with them as well," Esfandiari concedes. "They are always trying to get a ‘yes’ day out of me. If they win, they get one full day to plan the whole day. There are a few boundaries and restrictions, but they get to do whatever they want to do. They can stay up as late as they want. I can't say no to anything.
“If I win, there might be a week of no sugar. Actually, right now they're both on a no-sugar week, which is awesome.”
Even at home, it turns out, Esfandiari is still booking action.
Antonio Esfandiari won the first-ever Big One for One Drop... for this much money.The Interview: Antonio Esfandiari
Highlights from our exclusive in-depth conversation with Antonio include:
- When he was first introduced to the game that would change his life forever
- Why he thought he knew how to play the game 20 years ago — but now he’s not so sure
- How he first met sidekick Phil Laak while performing magic tricks at the WSOP
- Why a strict fitness and diet regimen is essential to his well-being
- Which young cash game phenom opened Antonio’s eyes to how the game could be played
- How Antonio’s relationship with his father has enriched his life
- His high-stakes cash battles with Alan Keating, Doyle Brunson, and Phil Hellmuth
- And much more…
Watch Antonio Esfandiari’s full exclusive interview with PokerOrg by hitting play on the video above, or listen on Spotify or Apple.
Check out more in-depth interviews with some of poker’s biggest names below, including Phil Hellmuth, Terrance Reid, and Jeff Platt.
