Bahbak Oboodi

Bahbak Oboodi, often referred to as Bobby Oboodi, began his poker career in the online realm, playing under the screen name "Bestuurbaar." He quickly established himself as a formidable online player, winning multiple high-stakes tournaments and building a reputation for his aggressive and unconventional strategies. His online success provided a strong foundation for his transition to live events, where he would go on to achieve significant results.

Oboodi's most notable live accomplishment came in September 2011 at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Borgata Poker Open. He navigated a large field to reach the final table, where he eventually emerged as the champion. The victory was a record-breaking one for Borgata, with Oboodi earning a substantial six-figure prize. The final table was not without controversy: during the event, fellow competitor Fred Goldberg—who finished fourth—confronted Oboodi's rail, leading to several fans being ejected from the audience. Despite the distraction, Oboodi held his composure and secured the title.

Throughout his career, Oboodi has also cashed in World Series of Poker (WSOP) events, including online bracelet events. In 2023, he participated in the WSOP Online Deepstack Championship (Event #16) on WSOP.com, a $600 buy-in tournament that generated a $1,164,770 prize pool.

Oboodi is known for an aggressive and creative style that puts constant pressure on opponents. He excels at post-flop play, using his positional advantage to make well-timed bluffs and value bets. His adaptability allows him to adjust to different opponents and formats, whether online or live. This flexibility has been key to his sustained success across both arenas.

As an Iranian-American player, Oboodi represents a diverse background in poker. He has leveraged social media to share strategy insights and connect with fans, further expanding his influence. While his tournament appearances have become less frequent in recent years, his Borgata win remains a highlight of the WPT's 10th season and is often recalled for its dramatic final table. Oboodi's ability to transition from online to live poker serves as an inspiration for aspiring players looking to make the same leap.

At the final table of the 2011 WPT Borgata Poker Open, a tense moment occurred when Fred Goldberg, who had a 10th-place finish in the 2006 WSOP Main Event and a WSOP bracelet from 2007, was eliminated in fourth place. Goldberg confronted Oboodi's rail, leading to several fans being ejected. This incident was widely reported and added a layer of drama to Oboodi's victory.

Oboodi's Borgata win took place during the World Poker Tour's 10th season. The event was one of the stops on the 2011 WPT calendar, which also included the WPT Spanish Championship, WPT Slovenia, and WPT Rendez-Vous à Paris. Oboodi's victory marked a highlight of the season, as he outlasted a strong field to claim the title.