2010 Jan 10

Amir Vahedi Dies

By: PokerListings.com

On Jan. 8 at the age of 46, professional poker player Amir Vahedi passed away due to complications with diabetes.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Vahedi was a former Iranian soldier who moved to the United States as a political refugee.

After owning several businesses in the U.S., Vahedi took on poker as a full-time profession, rising to prominence in 2003 when he won his first and only World Series of Poker bracelet and finished sixth in the Main Event.

Vahedi’s career tournament earnings totaled more than $3.3 million and he once famously tutored actor Ben Affleck when Affleck caught the poker bug.

He was named No-Limit Texas Hold'em Player of the Year in 2001 and had nine No-Limit final table appearances in 2003 alone.

However, the Sherman Oaks, California resident was perhaps most famous for constantly chomping on an unlit cigar at the poker table.

Comments

9

  1. amoesaeid

    2010-01-30

    Amir was a good friend and very funny. I had no idea he had a health issue. I discussed my health problem with him and he was concerned but did not mention about himself. i am saddened by his departure. GOD bless his soul.

  2. nazanin

    2010-01-25

    All Iranian poker player are proud of Amir and so sorry to lose him.
    I would like to express our deepest Simpathy and sorrow for your loss.
    Requiescat in pace Amir

  3. Will

    2010-01-14

    Amir was a great person, i was so sorry to hear of his death, the poker world has lost a true gentleman of the game, RIP Amir

  4. Mitra

    2010-01-14

    I only met Amir once but in even the first impression was enough to find him a charming lovely gentleman with a BIG heart. I would like to take this opportunity to express myself and my family's deepest sympathy and sorrow for hils loss toward his family and my sis Zara
    Mitra

  5. Rosi Ebrahimi-Schonbachler

    2010-01-12

    Dear family Vahedi
    On behalf of my family and myself I would like to express our deepest Simpathy and sorrow for your loss.
    Regards.
    Rosi, Edgar, Edwin & our Mother

  6. RENE MARTIN OLIVERAS, ESQ.

    2010-01-11

    he was always a gentleman!

  7. Jenna

    2010-01-11

    Amir was one of my dear friends, he was an awesome man with a big heart and was always willing to help out a friend. He will be missed.

  8. Martin Derbyshire

    2010-01-10

    Always a nice guy and a truly great character, Mr. Vahedi will be sorely missed by the entire poker world.

  9. Denis

    2010-01-10

    RIP Amir

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