Farzad Bonyadi, often referred to by his peers as “Freddy,” is a titan of the poker world and one of the most decorated Iranian-American professionals in the game’s history. Moving from Iran to the United States in 1983, Bonyadi transitioned from casino management to becoming a world-class competitor. He is a member of an elite group of players with four World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, showcasing a rare mastery of both Limit Hold’em and specialized Lowball variants. In 2026, he remains a respected veteran on the high-stakes circuit, continuing to post deep runs in major championship events in Las Vegas.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
As of March 2026, Farzad Bonyadi has amassed over $4,751,780 in total live tournament earnings (according to The Hendon Mob). His career is highlighted by four WSOP Gold Bracelets, with his most recent coming in 2021 in the prestigious $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Championship. While his bracelets cement his legacy, his largest single payday came in 2011 when he finished runner-up in the WPT World Championship for $1,061,900. In the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Bonyadi has shown no signs of slowing down, recently securing a 55th-place finish in the 2026 Wynn Millions. His decades of high-stakes success contribute to an estimated net worth of approximately $6 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | WSOP $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Championship (1st – Bracelet) | $297,051 |
| 2011 | WPT World Championship $25,000 NLHE (2nd) | $1,061,900 |
| 2005 | WSOP $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em (1st – Bracelet) | $594,960 |
| 2025 | WSOP $10,000 Main Event World Championship (1021st) | $17,500 |

Biography & A Historic Family Legacy
Farzad Bonyadi’s journey in poker began with home games in Tehran, but his professional legacy was forged in the card rooms of Southern California . After working as a host at the Commerce Casino, he proved his skill by winning his first bracelet in 1998. However, Bonyadi’s name is etched in history for a unique reason: in 2018, his mother, Farhintaj Bonyadi, won the WSOP $1,000 Super Seniors event. This made them the first mother-son duo in history to both own WSOP gold bracelets. In 2026, Farzad continues to represent the Aliso Viejo poker community, carrying a reputation for incredible poise and technical depth in the world’s most difficult mixed games.
Play Style & Strategy
Bonyadi is widely regarded as a “Lowball Specialist” and a master of Limit structures. His strategy is characterized by a “quiet intensity”—, disciplined, patient approach that excels in games where reading an opponent’s range is more vital than raw aggression. His 2021 victory in the 2-7 Championship demonstrated his elite ability to navigate the complex “triple draw” and “single draw” mechanics that often baffle younger NLHE specialists. In 2026, he remains a “solver-resistant” veteran, relying on decades of live-read experience and foundational mechanics that have allowed him to win bracelets across three different decades.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow Farzad Bonyadi as he continues to add to his legendary trophy case during the 2026 circuit:










