Shahram “Shaw” Sheikhan has accumulated more than US$ 1.5 million in live tournament winnings. In November 2023, the United States justice system sentenced the player to 48 months in prison for involvement in an illegal cannabis sales scheme. In January of the following year, he surrendered to authorities and went to the Federal Prison System.
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However, Shaw Sheikhan was granted parole after serving just over half of the sentence. After that, he went to a recovery center, where he will remain until June 4, the scheduled end date of the punishment. Player Jeff Nadu shared the information on X.
The veteran became quite well known in the poker scene in 2005. During that year’s WSOP Main Event, he starred in a notable rivalry against Mike Matusow, one of Phil Hellmuth’s closest friends, the record holder for World Series bracelets.
Additionally, a report published by PokerNews revealed details of the conditions imposed on the professional. According to the text signed by Jon Sofen, Shaw Sheikhan must follow several strict rules to avoid returning to prison. Among them is the prohibition of possessing any controlled substance illegally.
Shaw Sheikhan’s career in poker
According to The Hendon Mob, Shaw Sheikhan has accumulated US$ 1,565,145 in live tournament earnings. The first recorded cash was at the 2001 WSOP, when he finished third in the US$ 5,150 Seven Card Stud event and won US$ 50,440.
Over nearly two decades in poker, the American reached six WSOP final tables and totaled 14 cashes in the series. The biggest score of his career happened precisely at the 2005 Main Event, when he made a deep run to 11th place and won US$ 600,000.
Finally, if he indeed competes in tournaments at this WSOP edition, Shaw Sheikhan will make his debut on the felt at Horseshoe & Paris Las Vegas. This is because he won the last cash of his career in 2021, when the series was still held at the traditional Rio Casino.
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