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Massoud Eskandari is an American professional poker player from Mission Viejo, California, who has become a legend on the West Coast poker circuit. Known affectionately by his nickname “Mike” or “CBK,” Eskandari is a true grinder who spent years building his bankroll in the famous card rooms of Los Angeles. With a career defined by incredible longevity and a “never give up” attitude, he eventually reached the pinnacle of the sport by winning a World Series of Poker title. He is respected as a tough, battle-tested competitor who can outlast fields of thousands.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Massoud Eskandari has won nearly $4 million in live tournament earnings. His most prestigious victory came in 2022 when he won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet in the $1,000 Super Seniors event. He outplayed a massive field of 2,668 players to earn his career-best score of $330,609.
Eskandari has been a force on the World Poker Tour as well. In 2014, he came inches away from a WPT title, finishing as the runner-up in the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event for $330,110. He is also a champion on the WSOP Circuit, holding a gold ring from a 2022 victory in Los Angeles. Whether it is the Commerce Casino, The Bike, or Hustler, “Mike” is a constant threat in Southern California, where he has racked up dozens of final tables and titles over the last fifteen years. Most recently, in 2025 and early 2026, he has continued his hot streak with deep runs in the WPT World Championship and the L.A. Poker Classic.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Iran and moving to the United States as a young man, Massoud Eskandari eventually made a home for himself in Mission Viejo, California. Before becoming a full-time poker pro, he worked hard to establish his life in the U.S., a work ethic that translated perfectly to the poker table. He started appearing in live tournament results around 2011, mostly in the Los Angeles area. Eskandari often talks about the importance of the “grind,” telling reporters after his bracelet win that he has put his life into the game and spent countless hours studying. He is a shining example for local players, showing that with enough time and effort, a “local hero” can become a world champion.
Play Style & Strategy
Eskandari is known for a relentless and high-pressure style of play. He is a master of the “wire-to-wire” win, often grabbing a chip lead early in a tournament and using it to bully his opponents until the end. Other players describe him as a very tough read because he plays with a lot of confidence and heart, often making bold moves that put people in difficult spots for their entire tournament life. He values patience but knows exactly when to ramp up the aggression to take control of a table. His advice to other players is simple: keep grinding and stay dedicated, because in a long tournament, your hard work will eventually pay off.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow “Mike” Eskandari as he looks for his second bracelet during the 2026 WSOP season? You can track his latest tournament cashes and rankings through these profiles:
