High Stakes Heatwave: Esfandiari Books Massive $2.4M Win in Las Vegas Return

samantha-doyle
By Samantha Doyle
28 Jan 2026
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Samantha Doyle 28 Jan 2026
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  • 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'.
Antonio Esfandiari
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

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