Updated 2008/2009
Hamid Dastmalchi is a relatively unknown poker player in the circuit and his name is generally mentioned for one thing- His 1992 World Series of Poker win and the 1 million dollar prize. It may be a surprise that an unknown person is actually ranked number six on the all-time money list. Players can never get that high on the list by just winning once or twice in a big tournament. You need to have a consistent game, good skill and some luck as well. Dastmalchi was one of them. It is sad to note that a player of his calibre was never well known. Dastmalchi started playing when he was 12 years old in Iran, his native country. He moved to the US and worked as a real estate investor. Cards however had a big influence over him and he joined the professional poker scene. He had finished in the money three times prior to his maiden WSOP bracelet.
Dastmalchi achieved two things in his career. One was the one million dollar prize and the WSOP bracelet in 1992, and the other being the right to cash in chips worth eight hundred thousand at the Binion\'s horseshoe casino. He was denied cash in as the management changed at the casino, and the new management refused to cash in chips given under the old management. A gaming commission interfered and ruled in favour of Dastmalchi.
At the 1992 WSOP final table, Dastmalchi was facing Tom Jacobs. Jacobs was short stacked and held Jd 7s. Dastmalchi had 8h 4c. Jh 5d 7d was the flop and it gave Jacobs the best hand with a two pair, whereas Dastmalchi had to get a 6 to make a straight.
Jacobs decided on a slow play of his hand and made a small bet. Dastmalchi however called. When the turn came, a 6h was given and this gave Dastmalchi the straight he needed, giving the best possible hand. Dastmalchi checked, while Jacobs who was tired of his slow play decided to move all in. Dastmalchi called the move right away. The river came and a 10 was given. This was of no use to Jacobs who did probably play the right way, but he was caught and hence Dastmalchi was crowned the champion.
Dalstmalchi on that day proved that he was a player to be reckoned with, a player who could battle it out with the best and win. He has almost stopped playing now and that has given people less of a chance to know him. His records and wins worth $1.8 million will speak for his talent. Prior to the main event WSOP win in 1992 he won the bracelet in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em also and later in the 1993 $2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em. He has never won the World Poker tour but has finished in the money once.
1. Joseph Hachem WSOP winner in the Biography section.