Amal Bounahra biography
Amal Bounahra hails from Belize and grew up in a household thoroughly immersed in poker; her father, Bob Bounahra, is a seasoned professional with more than $2.1 million in live tournament winnings and the owner of the Big Slick poker room in Belize City.
As she has described it, "I have poker running through my veins." That connection to the game became especially vivid in 2011, when Amal railed her father for eight consecutive days during his run to the WSOP Main Event's November Nine, ultimately watching him finish seventh for more than $1.3 million.
It was during that same tournament that Amal met professional poker player Antonio Esfandiari, a two-time World Poker Tour Champions Club member; the two married in 2014 and relocated to Los Angeles, where they are raising their two young sons.
Despite her deep family ties to the game, Amal has kept her own playing career casual rather than professional, describing herself as someone who plays "just for fun." Still, she has recorded real tournament experience of her own, including a cash in the 2018 WSOP Main Event and a deep run at the WPT L.A. Poker Classic, making her both a poker family heir and an occasional competitor in her own right.
Career summary
The daughter of Belizean poker room owner Bob Bounahra and wife of two-time WPT champion Antonio Esfandiari, Amal Bounahra grew up immersed in poker and has recorded her own casual tournament cashes, including in the 2018 WSOP Main Event.
Amal Bounahra poker winnings
2018 - WSOP Main Event - Cash - Undisclosed
Undated - WPT L.A. Poker Classic - Deep Run - Undisclosed
Amal Bounahra playing style
Bounahra plays a casual, recreational style, describing her approach to the game as purely for enjoyment rather than professional ambition, despite her deep family ties to competitive poker.
Cash games
Plays casually rather than professionally, describing her approach to the game as "just for fun" despite a family background deeply immersed in poker.
Why Amal matters
The daughter of Belizean poker room owner Bob Bounahra, Amal Bounahra grew up immersed in the game and met her husband, two-time WPT Champions Club member Antonio Esfandiari, while railing her father during his memorable 2011 WSOP November Nine run.
FAQ about Amal Bounahra
How did Amal Bounahra meet her husband, Antonio Esfandiari?
She met him while railing her father, Bob Bounahra, during his 2011 WSOP Main Event November Nine run.
Who is Amal Bounahra's father?
Bob Bounahra, a professional poker player with more than $2.1 million in career winnings who owns the Big Slick poker room in Belize City.
How many WSOP bracelets does Amal Bounahra have?
Amal Bounahra has not won a WSOP bracelet yet.