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In Memoriam: Amir Vahedi
The poker community mourned the loss of one of its own after Amir Vahedi passed away on Friday, January 8, 2010. Vahedi died from complications of diabetes after years of combating the disease. He was 48 years old.
One of poker’s brightest personalities, Vahedi always demonstrated goodwill to those around him.
“Amir Vahedi was one of the good guys. I’m very sad. RIP,” posted Howard Lederer in his twitter account.
Born in Tehran in 1961, Vahedi joined the Iranian army and fought during the Iran-Iraq war. After leaving combat, Vahedi found himself in Germany and soon after was granted a visa to the United States. He relocated to Los Angeles, CA where he started a number of business ventures.
Vahedi eventually found his calling in poker. His career was a success, having won numerous major tournaments and over $3 million in lifetime tournament earnings
In one of the biggest comebacks in WSOP final table history, Vahedi won a gold bracelet in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Event #22 of the 2003 World Series of Poker in a final table that included pros TJ Cloutier, Tony Ma, Kirill Gerasimov and Brad Daugherty.
“In order to live, you must be willing to die,” was a mantra Vahedi voiced on several occasions discussing his poker style.
For the poker community, Vahedi will always be remembered as a friendly and talented player.
The WSOP offers its sincere condolences to the Vahedi family for its loss. Amir will be missed.
