Matthew Higgins

Matthew Higgins began his poker journey in the mid-2000s, steadily building a reputation through consistent cashes in regional tournaments and WSOP Circuit events. Based in Rossville, Georgia, he accumulated multiple WSOP Circuit rings, showcasing his ability to navigate large fields and deep stacks. Prior to his major breakthrough, his largest live cash was just over $222,000, a victory in the opening event of the 2024 "Heater" poker series at Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. That tournament, which drew 4,704 entries, paid Higgins $222,091 for first place and boosted his live earnings past $1.6 million at the time, according to The Hendon Mob.

Higgins' career reached new heights in June 2026 when he won Event #63: $1,000 Mystery Millions No-Limit Hold'em at the World Series of Poker. The tournament attracted a record 22,811 entries, the fourth-largest field in WSOP history, generating a prize pool of over $20 million. Higgins navigated through a stacked final table, defeating Dominik Panka heads-up to claim the $1,000,000 first prize and his first WSOP bracelet. He entered the final table as chip leader and managed a near 3:2 chip advantage heads-up, closing out victory under the lights at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. "I can't describe it, just overwhelmed, feeling very blessed," Higgins said. He also noted that he had been on a significant downswing since winning the Choctaw Main Event in November, making the victory a huge confidence builder.

Higgins is known for a tight-aggressive style, carefully selecting his spots and making precise decisions in deep-stack play. His ability to read opponents and maximize value in key pots has been a hallmark of his success. During the Mystery Millions final table, he battled for the chip lead with Panka, sending several opponents to the rail including Imre Makranyi in eighth place. His rail was notably large and vocal, reflecting the support he has built over years of consistent results. He credits his fiancé for managing home affairs, allowing him to focus on poker and provide for his kids.

Beyond his bracelet win, Higgins has a strong record in WSOP Circuit events and other major tournaments. His total live earnings now exceed $2.25 million, ranking him among the top players from Georgia. He also reached the seventh place in the 2024 Choctaw Main Event prior to downswing. Higgins is respected for his steady approach and ability to close out events, often performing well under pressure. His win in the Mystery Millions, one of the largest-ever WSOP fields, cements his place as a skilled and resilient tournament player.