Esfandiari’s return to poker could trigger a boom in TV ratings
Antonio Esfandiari’s recent return to the professional poker circuit could spark a significant resurgence in the casino game’s popularity.
‘The Magician’ was a key part of an important era in poker, where the game’s top stars became household names through widespread television coverage.
Their collective efforts not only helped poker cross firmly into the mainstream, but was also a major factor in the global online casino gaming boom.
Millions of people worldwide jumped on the casino bandwagon, with many of them using games such as slots, blackjack and roulette as their main entertainment pastime.
The best online casino operators now boast a plethora of customers having expertly leveraged enticing bonuses and promotions to attract new players.
The popularity of gaming also spawned a surge in social casinos, with many of the platforms rivalling real money sites in terms of their popularity.
Offers such as the High 5 Casino Promo Code are highly sought after by players who are eager to join the ongoing boom in social gaming.
Esfandiari’s role in the growth of these associated industries cannot be underestimated and his return to action could be the catalyst for even more growth.
While casino gaming remains hugely popular worldwide, the modern poker circuit is in the midst of a battle to retain its established television audience.
Esfandiari and several other high-profile poker stars have been critical of some newer players using the controversial Game Theory Optimum approach in poker.
The strategy’s roots are heavily based in mathematics – a factor which some players claim is sucking the life out of the iconic casino game.
They argue that this almost robotic approach to gameplay has left poker devoid of characters, which could ultimately damage its broad appeal to TV viewers.
Esfandiari’s innovative double-check raise play during his return to action was a reminder of his talents and will have had TV executives salivating.
He completely outplayed Brandon Steven to collect a $193,300 pot, but the manner of the exchange between the two players was the key takeaway.
His dismissive ‘you’re going to be a real big star’ as Steven pondered his next move was a thing of beauty, adding a delightful cherry on top of the cake for the audience.
‘The Magician’ was a big favourite on TV during the poker boom earlier this century, with his fearless style inspiring many other players to take up the game.
He has won three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets during his career along with many other titles, and having him back in the fold is a major boost for TV companies.
His $18 million dollar victory at a tournament in Las Vegas in 2012 remains one of the most iconic moments ever broadcast in professional poker.
Esfandiari’s success, which also raised a reported $5m for a water charity, remained a record payout until Bryn Kenney scooped $20.5m at the 2019 Triton Million.
The WSOP and World Poker Tour (WPT) will now be hoping that Esfandiari’s comeback fires poker back into the spotlight over the next few years.
His skilled approach won him many admirers before he stepped away from poker and he has not lost his flair for the game judging by his recent TV appearance.
A 2022 interview with the BBC highlighted Esfandiari’s confidence in his ability and fired a cautionary note at any of the new wave of players who think he may be a pushover.
“When you play poker against good players and you’re a bad player, you’re going to lose money against the good player,” he said.
“It might not be that day, but by the end of the year the pro will take the money. You have to put in the work. You can’t just show up and think you’re going to beat the best.”
TV bosses will lap up these types of insights and Esfandiari’s presence on the professional circuit should trigger increased interest in poker.