Somebody threw over a huge bundle of $100 bills from the stack. He was held high in the air by the group now gathered tight around him. Not in relief or disbelief but to save them from being crushed as his family and friends flooded in from all sides to congratulate him. When he was confirmed as the winner, he immediately took off his glasses. But he still looked like the coolest head in the room. Esfandiari was about to experience the most euphoric moment of his life.
The commentators held their breath as the dealer prepared to reveal the final card. The live TV cameras were primed, the tension among fans at breaking point.
