Tue Dec 30 08:10:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“The Magician” Strikes Gold: Antonio Esfandiari Wins Massive Pot in High Stakes Poker Return

LAS VEGAS, NV – Poker legend Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari made a triumphant return to the felt on High Stakes Poker, culminating in a staggering $824,500 pot win in what many are calling one of the sickest coolers in the show’s history. The hand, aired on PokerGO’s Season 15, Episode 7, saw Esfandiari, holding 8♠8♣, flop quads against Scratch CEO Sameh Elamaway’s A♠A♥, who turned a full house.

Elamaway had opened the action, Esfandiari called, and Justin Gavri also called. The flop gave Esfandiari his monstrous hand. Action checked to Elamaway on the turn after his full house, and his bet was then raised by Esfandiari and three-bet by Elamaway.

The river card brought no change, and Elamaway bet $225,000, which was snap-raised by Esfandiari and snap-called by Elamaway.

The hand drew immediate comparisons to the famous Gus Hansen-Daniel Negreanu hand, adding another chapter to High Stakes Poker’s legacy of unforgettable moments.

Esfandiari, a three-time WSOP bracelet winner and a favorite from the poker boom era, has spent recent years focusing on family. His appearance on High Stakes Poker, along with appearances on other shows like Hustler Casino Live, prove that “The Magician” still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

The entire Season 15 of High Stakes Poker is available for viewing on PokerGO.

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