Grind in PokerWired x Stake Poker $250 GTD Freebuy on Friday
15 Jun 2026Read More
High Stakes Heatwave: Esfandiari Books Massive $2.4M Win in Las Vegas Return
- Antonio Esfandiari wins $2.4M in Las Vegas High Stakes Poker.
- Key hand: Esfandiari's set of sevens defeats Alan Keating.
- Potential full-scale poker return for 'The Magician'.
The bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip were a little brighter on Wednesday as a familiar face returned to the winner's circle. Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari, a man whose name is synonymous with the Las Vegas high-stakes scene, reminded the local community that he’s still the king of the castle.
In a marathon session for High Stakes Poker, Esfandiari walked away with an estimated $2,410,000 in profit.
The $2.4 Million Pot
The atmosphere at the PokerGO Studio was electric as Esfandiari squared off against Alan Keating, a player known for creating some of the largest pots in televised history. The two did not disappoint. In a hand featuring a $4,000 straddle, the pot escalated to nearly $2 million.
Esfandiari’s set of sevens held firm against Keating’s draw, allowing the 3nd-time bracelet winner to stack nearly his entire opponent's stack in a single, high-drama moment.
The Comeback Trail
After a relatively quiet couple of years spent away from the felt, Esfandiari’s 2026 is off to an incredible start. Following a surprise appearance at the Wynn Winter Classic earlier this month, this massive win signals that the Magician might be preparing for a full-scale return to the spotlight.
I missed this. The adrenaline of these games... it's just different.
With the PGT Championship starting next week, the Las Vegas poker community is buzzing with speculation. Will the Magician take his $2.4 million bankroll boost and enter the high-roller tournament circuit, or will he disappear back into his semi-retirement?
If history is any indication, Antonio always knows how to make an entrance and an exit.
High Stakes Breakdown
Winner: Antonio Esfandiari
Session Profit: +$2,410,000 (est.)
Key Hand: Set of Sevens vs. Keating’s Flush Draw
Location: PokerGO Studio, Las Vegas
Upcoming Events
19 June 2026
Road to Banco €550 Poker
Poker-SM Live 2026 Goes More International: Open For All €250K Banco Championship
888poker $300GTD Freebuy Poker
A Community Freebuy Worth Marking Down: PokerHeaven’s $300 GTD on 888poker
WSOP Circuit Tallin 2026 Poker
Chasing the Gold Rings: A Complete Guide to WSOP Circuit Tallinn 2026
Irish Open Australia 2026 Poker
Irish Open Goes Global: Inaugural Sydney Schedule Features 40+ Tournaments
European Mixed Poker Championship 2026 Poker
Tallinn to Host Inaugural European Mixed Poker Championship 2026 This October
Battle of Malta Autumn Edition 2026 Poker
What to Expect from the Battle of Malta October 2026 Autumn Edition
APT Championship Taipei 2026 Poker
APT Championship Taipei 2026 Set to Ignite Asia Poker Arena with TWD 165M GTD Main Event
20 June 2026
Poker EventsStarts in
Latest News
-
Stake Freebuy -
Poker-SM Live 2026Poker-SM Live 2026 Goes More International: Open For All €250K Banco Championship18 Jun 2026Read More
-
BasePoker FreerollsBasePoker Weekly Freerolls: Everything You Need to Know15 Jun 2026Read More
-
FreerollBoost Your Bankroll with Two Exclusive Weekly Freerolls at BCPoker15 Jun 2026Read More
-
PokerStars Open MalagaPokerStars Open Malaga Aims for Another Record-Breaking Year10 Feb 2026Read More
