The poker world has recently lost another pro player. Amir Vahedi, who was a World Series of Poker bracelet winner died last January 8 in Las Vegas due to complications from diabetes. Many pros in the poker world were shocked and saddened with Amir Vahedi’s passing.
As known to many in the poker world, Vahedi was born in Tehran, Iran. He served in the army during the Iran-Iraq war before moving to the United States. Vahedi then settled in Southern California where he started his career as a poker pro in Los Angeles-area card rooms. Vahedi also once served as poker coach to the Academy Award-winning actor Ben Affleck.
Vahedi was also known because of his win at the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event in 2003. Vahedi is known to have 26 recorded tournament victories and hundreds of final table finishes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas tournament scenes and total career tournament winnings of more than $3.2 million. Vahedi was also named as the “No limit Texas hold ‘em Player of the Year” in 2001 and was also feature by Card Player Magazine’s 2003 as second player of the year.
Vahedi, as described by many is of his friends, was a gentle and kind man who always made them laugh. Many of his friends also described him as one of the nicest and gentlest guys on tour that everyone loved.