High Stakes Poker Duel Against Antonio Esfandiari – As he said, Esfandiari immediately challenged Hellmuth. The two of them could not play again until the end of September. Hellmuth once again emerged victorious even though Esfandiari was at the front during their battle. Hellmuth took the lead against ‘The Magician’ in a wild hand which ended with Esfandiari pushing the all-in on the river with a high eight after multiple bets continued on each of the previous runs.
Hands starting with Esfandiari holding a little over a 2: 1 lead. He was raised to 1,100 from the button with 8 Diamond Suits to 5 Club Suits. Hellmuth summoned over 600 of the big blind with A Club Suits 3 Club Suits and failing to drop J Spades Suits J Diamond Suits 4 Heart Suits. Hellmuth checked and Esfandiari bet 600 on the position. Hellmuth check-increased to 1,800 and Esfandiari called. The number 7 Club Suit in turn saw Hellmuth bet 3,200 on his ace-high. Esfandiari emerged on the bluff with a straight draw he took on the fourth road, bringing him 11,300 again. Hellmuth bet three to 29,000, and Esfandiari decided to call.
Hellmuth checks in the dark and A Spades Suit clears the game board. Esfandiari announced he was an all-in, putting Hellmuth at risk for his final 34,825. Hellmuth made a call to overturn their chip positions and was able to close the game from there.
Esfandiari quickly used his options to challenge, setting up a third match with Hellmuth for October 21 with $ 400,000 at stake. Hellmuth announced before the game started that he would cash in on his win if he could make it to the top, having met the criteria to do so by winning three consecutive rounds.