Amir Vahedi: A True Champion in Life

Amir Vahedi lives in Sherman Oaks, California and he is a prominent pro poker player who is particularly one of the more aggressive types. He is quite successful in different professional card games which include Texas Hold'em, Hi/Lo 7 card stud, Omaha Hold'em and many more. Having the popularity of being a pro and a good teacher, he took students from all aspects including Hollywood star, Ben Affleck.

The Legends of Poker tournament was a turning point in Vahedi's career; he won the tournament in 1997. His first Las Vegas championship followed three years after. Vahedi has earned 85 victories in various tournaments from different states. Come 2003 at the World Series of Poker, Vahedi made it to the final table of the $ 10,000 championship event and got his very first bracelet. Though he finished 6th place, it was the best year for Vahedi's poker career.

Amir Vahedi was a native of Tehran, Iran and he was born in 1961. As a youngster in the 80's, he signed up for the army during the First Persian Gulf War. Vahedi was requested to give up his duties as a soldier upon visiting his mother. He had been earnest in serving his country and wanted to follow his mother's wish at the same time. He left the army and afterwards took off to Pakistan together with his brother-in-law.

Vahedi had so much hardships and he faced grave danger. He was imprisoned in Afghanistan for a few months after going around restless in Pakistan. When he was released from jail, Vahedi flew to Europe with a counterfeit passport. He then found himself in Soviet East Berlin, then immediately relocated to West Berlin where he was detained for a brief period after becoming a political refugee. After a while, Vahedi got his freedom back and was allowed to join his family in California.

Vahedi became a successful businessman in the United States. But due to some adverse events, he lost his business and declared bankruptcy. He then looked for a job and found one. While working, Vahedi went through the casinos in California and realized that this was his calling. This was the makings of Amir Vahedi the pro poker player.

Overcoming the hardships of life wasn't easy, and Amir Vahedi has had his own share of these. Championing life's challenges has made him man enough to succeed; and success in his career has just begun for him on the poker tables. A thought to ponder as Amir Vahedi use to say 'In order to live, you must be willing to die'.