A Return to Poker, but Not for Long

Antonio Esfandiari, the three-time WSOP bracelet winner with nearly $28 million in lifetime earnings, recently returned to the poker stage, but his heart remains with his children. The iconic poker player appeared in Season 2 of The Big Game on Tour at the NAPT in Las Vegas and filmed episodes of No Gamble, No Future at PokerGO Studio. Adding to the excitement, Esfandiari partnered with F1 driver Charles Leclerc for a heads-up tag team match against Carlos Sainz Jr. and Michael Phelps during Global Poker Table Talk, just before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Despite enjoying the nostalgia of being back on the felt, Esfandiari made it clear his priorities have shifted:
“It’s a bit nostalgic coming back to poker, but honestly, I’d rather be at home with my kids.”

Life Centered Around Fatherhood

Esfandiari has fully embraced his role as a father of three. His days are now filled with outdoor adventures, from skiing trips to camping, kayaking, and biking along the beach. He relishes even the simplest moments with his children, like homework time and bedtime routines:
“A dream day for me is putting my kids to bed and then being in bed by nine o’clock myself.”

His two older sons, ages nine and seven, are passionate about skiing, while his three-year-old daughter has completely stolen his heart:
“She owns my soul in a way my sons don’t. The ages of three to five are just magical, and I’m soaking in every moment.”

Even when work commitments pull him away, Esfandiari often contemplates quick trips home just to spend extra time with his family.

No Plans for a Full Poker Comeback

Esfandiari, whose last notable tournament results date back to 2016, doesn’t foresee a full return to poker anytime soon.
“Right now, traveling for poker just isn’t feasible. I’d miss too much at home. My kids are my focus, and I want to maximize every moment with them before they grow up and don’t want to hang out with me as much.”

Still, Esfandiari hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a return to the poker scene in the future, once his children are older:
“It’s something I’ve thought about for when I’m an empty-nester. But for now, poker comes second to fatherhood.”

Conclusion

Antonio Esfandiari’s recent appearances on poker shows and events remind fans of his legendary presence in the game. However, his greatest passion is being a devoted father. While poker may remain a part of his life, Esfandiari’s heart is firmly rooted in the joys of raising his children, a chapter he’s fully committed to cherishing.