Amir Vahedi Passes AwayThe poker world experienced a great loss yesterday as one of its more colorful personalities, professional poker player Amir Vahedi, passed away in Las Vegas due to complications from diabetes. This news came as a shock to the poker community; no previous reports had been made indicating the severity of his condition. Vahedi was 48 years old, was unmarried and had no children.

Amir Vahedi was well known on the poker circuits where he won an impressive 22 tournaments, including one WSOP bracelet, had $3,126,479 in career winnings. He was the 2001 Texas Holdem Player of the Year and is perhaps best remembered by poker enthusiast for his sixth place finish in the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event that was eventually won by Chris Moneymaker. A key hand from this tournament, as well as other hands involving Amir Vahedi, was covered by Dan Harrington in his book series Harington on Holdem where he gave Vahedi a lot of respect.

Vahedi was generally well liked by the poker community. His larger than average build, outgoing personality and aggressive style of play assured he would not go unnoticed at any poker table. One poker pro once described Vahedi as a player who played small ball, LAG poker, before it was known by many this style could be played profitably. He was well ahead of his time in poker, but of course this is a good thing which led to additional winnings.

One of Amir Vahedi’s most famous quotes: “In order to live, you have to be willing to die.” He was of course referring to poker tournament life, but after his death the quote gives new meaning. After serving his country (Iran) in the Iran Iraq conflict he fled to Germany as a refugee in 1981 before landing in Southern California where in 1997 he began his pursuit in poker. Vahedi had a serious health condition, but did not let this effect his life any. He lived a 48 year life while spending the final quarter of it doing what he loved, playing poker. He did not let his ailment hold him back; he added to his long list of poker accomplishments as recent as 2008, winning the $25,000 buy-in World Poker Tour Championship in Bellagio.

Amir Vahedi will be missed, and poker-prop.net extends our condolences to his friends and family. RIP Amir Vahedi 1961-2010.