Born in Iran, and moving to America when he was 12, Antonio Esfandiari quit college to become a professional magician, and turned 12-hour days of practice into a thriving professional career. Just 21 and not content with magic, the resident of San Francisco next turned his attention to poker, and has been a professional for six years. He often uses his magic at the table, saying: ‘I love the fact that I can mess with someone’s head.’

Here are just a few of his achievements during his lightning rise to the top: winner of the main event at the 2004 LA Poker Classic, winner of the $2,000 buy-in pot-limit hold’em event at the 2004 World Series of Poker.