Esfandiari, Hachem Give Fan Opportunity of a Lifetime

The WPT Shooting Star Main Event at Bay 101 is one of the most unique events on the tournament circuit. Sure, there is the “Shooting Star” concept, where 56 of poker’s biggest names all have a $2,500 bounty, but the event is also one of the few in poker that allow for fans to get close to the action. While most fans will be supporting their favorite players from the rail, one fan got right in the middle of the action thanks to Antonio Esfandiari and Joe Hachem.

The Poker Central Ambassador and former WSOP Main Event champion found themselves at Alexander Hult’s restaurant and, as a fan of the game and a someone who looks up to both professionals, Hult offered to buy the pair dinner. Originally, they refused but Hult insisted and covered their bill.

Esfandiari and Hachem, who have have $40,000,000 in combined career earnings, then thanked Hult for buying them dinner with the opportunity of a lifetime. The pair bought Hult into the $7,500 buy-in WPT Shooting Star Main Event.

Hult couldn’t believe the kindness that both legends of the game showed him and mentioned on Facebook how excited he was to have a chance to play in such an amazing event. Unfortunately, Hult was unable to advance out of yesterday’s Day 1A session. Nevertheless, the opportunity was certainly amazing and we imagine this isn’t the first or last time we will see Esfandiari and Hachem give back to fans of the game.