Poker pro dies in Las Vegas

Colourful American poker professional Amir Vahedi has died in Las Vegas, reportedly due to complications from diabetes. He was 57.

In 2001 Vahedi was named Texas Hold'em Player of the Year, and followed that up two years later with a 6th placing in the World Series of Poker Main Event.

The Iranian-born player, who emigrated to the US, was known for being the man who showed actor Ben Affleck how to play poker.

His own style of play at the table was to be fearlessly aggressive. He reportedly earned US$2.5 million during his poker career.

Vahedi was in the Iranian army in his younger days and served during the Iran-Iraq conflict.

Poker personality Daniel Negreanu, in a blog on his own website, described the cigar-smoking Vahedi as a dedicated family man who worked tirelessly to improve poker players' conditions.

And also a dangerous opponent to have at the table.

"He wasn't afraid to play a big pot, and he certainly wasn't afraid to run a big bluff", recalled Negreanu.

- NZHERALD STAFF