Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari wins 2010 Five Diamond Poker Classic

Iranian born poker pro Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari captured his second World Poker Tour title at the 2010 Doyle Brunson North American Five Diamond Poker Classic held this week at the Bellagio Las Vegas.

The Magician outlasted a starting field of 438 players and bested one of the toughest final tables of the season, which also featured fellow poker pros Vanessa Rousso, Ted Lawson and 2010 WSOP Main Event runner up John Racener.

The six handed final table turn into a five handed table almost from the start, after Ted Lawson got busted on the second hand of play by Vanessa Rousso. The fifth place was for Kirk Morrison, followed by John Racener and Vanessa Rousso in fourth and third place respectively.

The final hand came when Esfandiari raised 800,000 on the button and Andrew Robl moved all-in for 6.3 million. The Magician made the call and showed Kc--Jd vs. Robl’s Qd-10c. The flop came Ad-Kd-6d, giving Esfandiari the advantage with middle-pair, but also giving Robl the chance to hit a queen-high flush draw or even a straight draw. However, two blanks on the turn and river sealed Esfandiari's victory and gave him his second WPT victory and the $870,124 prize.

"It was legendary. It was tough. It was fun. It was exciting. It was all of the above and I'm so glad to come out ahead" commented Esfandiari after his win.

Here are the 2010 Five Diamond Poker Classic final table results and prizes:

1. Antonio Esfandiari ($870,124)
2. Andrew Robl ($549,003)
3. Vanessa Rousso ($358,964)
4. John Racener ($232,271)
5. Kirk Morrison ($168,924)
6. Ted Lawson ($126,693)