Benjamin Zamani

Benjamin Zamani, also known as "BenZ" or "xthesteinx," was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida. He started playing poker in high school with friends and quickly developed a passion for the game. Turning professional at a young age, Zamani focused primarily on no-limit hold'em tournaments, though he occasionally plays pot-limit Omaha cash games. His early success included winning a seat on PokerStars to prestigious events, marking the start of his tournament career.

Zamani has amassed 166 live tournament cashes totaling $5,216,284 in career earnings as of early 2026. His most recent cash was $1,880 on February 25, 2026. One of his notable achievements was reaching the final table of the inaugural World Poker Tour (WPT) Rolling Thunder event, where he competed alongside top players like Pham and Tran, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stages. While specific bracelet wins are not documented in available records, his consistent deep runs and six-figure scores have solidified his reputation as a formidable tournament player.

Zamani is known for a tight-aggressive (TAG) style, excelling in deep-stacked situations by leveraging position and range advantages. His post-flop decisions are nuanced, adjusting bet sizing based on opponent tendencies to maintain positive expected value in high-variance events. He combines patience with calculated aggression, often waiting for premium spots before committing chips. This balance has been key to his longevity in the competitive tournament circuit.

As a PokerStars qualifier, Zamani exemplifies the path from online satellites to live tournament success. His ability to convert small investments into major opportunities highlights his skill and discipline. The online realm also allowed him to hone his game against a diverse field before transitioning to live events. His handle, "xthesteinx," became known in the online community before he made a name for himself on the live felt.

With earnings exceeding $5.2 million and a career spanning over a decade, Zamani remains an active competitor on the tournament scene. His latest cash in February 2026 shows he continues to find success. While not as widely publicized as some of his peers, his steady accumulation of cashes and deep runs marks him as one of the consistent performers in American poker. His Global Poker Index (GPI) identification underscores his recognition within the industry. Zamani's journey from high school poker games to professional tournaments serves as an inspiration for aspiring players.

At the inaugural WPT Rolling Thunder event, Zamani reached the final table with 3,700,000 chips. At the time, he was 23 years old, a full-time poker professional and PokerStars qualifier. He competed against other top players, showcasing his ability to handle pressure on a major stage. This deep run contributed significantly to his early career recognition.

Benjamin Zamani is identified in poker databases with Global Poker Index ID 87105 and The Hendon Mob ID 87105. His Google Knowledge Graph ID is /g/11fxb807nz. These identifiers ensure accurate tracking of his tournament results and rankings. As of early 2026, his live tournament cashes number 166, with total earnings of $5,216,284. His most recent cash was $1,880 on February 25, 2026.

Zamani primarily focuses on no-limit hold'em tournaments, but when he plays cash games, he prefers pot-limit Omaha. This versatility demonstrates his adaptability to different poker variants. His online handle "xthesteinx" is recognized in the online community, reflecting his early start in online poker before transitioning to live events.