RIP Amir Vahedi, Poker Professional dies at 48
January 29, 2010
In a tragic story coming out of Las Vegas, World Series of Poker bracelet winner Amir Vahedi has passed away after complications arising from diabetes, according to fellow poker pro Mark Seif.
Seif’s first words about Vahedi came via his website and read, “I’ve just been told by close friends of Amir Vahedi, that Vahedi passed away in Las Vegas on January 8, 2010, due to complications involving blood sugar levels. Waiting for for [sic] more details. Devastating news. Very very sad.”
Hours later, Seif posted a follow-up: “I have spoken to two more of Amir Vahedi’s close friends who have been in contact with Amir’s family. Sadly, they each confirmed the terrible news. Amir was a gentle and kind man who always made me laugh. I will miss him terribly. RIP Amir.”
Vahedi’s death left the poker world shocked and saddened, many pros turning to Twitter to express their feelings about their friend.
Howard Lederer: Amir Vahedi was one of the good guys. I’m very sad. RIP
Annie Duke: RIP Amir Vahedi. Sweet man and a good friend. I am so sad.
Annie Duke (later): Still thinking about Amir. What a nice, sweet, funny soul. I keep picturing him with his cigar and his smile. 2 things he always had.
Phil Hellmuth: Amir Vahedi Rest In Peace my old friend…Amir was one of the nicest, gentlest guys on tour, and everyone loved him…
Joe Sebok: wow. this is real? few people showed me as many smiles and as much love as amir vahedi, in my poker infancy. truly heartbroken…rip…:(
Erik Seidel: Woke up to the sad news that Amir Vahedi died. He had a special personality & spirit & will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Liz Lieu: In total shock & deeply saddened that my dear friend Amir Vahedi had just passed away. U will truly be missed. Rest In Peace! ;(
Victor Ramdin: my dearest friend amir vahedi who always had that great smile whether he is having a good day or bad day u will be missed rest in peace
“Hollywood” Dave Stann: Amir Vahedi rocked. Just saw him @ my bday HORSE tourney & have vid footage of him there, which now is so much more precious. RIP, friend.
On PocketFives.com, a thread entitled “RIP Amir Vahedi” was flooded with posters paying homage to the WSOP bracelet winner. Site Mod “Dissident” weighed in, “always though Amir was a class act. RIP.” Fellow online poker player “ill flu” recalled pertinent words of advice that Vahedi once spoke: “He actually said, ‘In order to live, you must be willing to die…’ I actually remember that out of his mouth.”
Vahedi, with his contagious smile and signature unlit Cuban cigar, broke out at the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, where he made the final table and ultimately finished in sixth place. He also won his first and sadly only WSOP bracelet that year, taking down the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event. A fixture on the tournament scene in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Vahedi has 26 recorded tournament victories and hundreds of final table finishes. His total career tournament winnings totaled more than $3.2 million.
Born in Iran, Vahedi served in the army during the Iran-Iraq war before moving to the United States. Vahedi settled in Southern California where he forged a career as a poker pro in Los Angeles-area cardrooms. He also once served as Academy Award-winning actor Ben Affleck’s poker coach.
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