Michael Mizrachi

Michael David Mizrachi (born January 5, 1981) is an American professional poker player widely known as "The Grinder" for his relentless tournament schedule and consistent play. He has accumulated over $29 million in live tournament earnings, with eight World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, two World Poker Tour (WPT) titles, and a historic 2025 WSOP Main Event victory. Mizrachi holds the record for most wins in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship with four titles (2010, 2012, 2018, 2025).

Mizrachi was born in Miami, Florida. He is the younger brother of professional poker player Robert Mizrachi, who served as his mentor and has five WSOP bracelets of his own. Mizrachi also has a twin brother, Eric, who plays semi-professionally, and a younger brother, Daniel Jay Mizrachi, a professional DJ. His father, Ezra Mizrachi, is of Iraqi Jewish origin, and Michael is fluent in Hebrew. Growing up, he aspired to become a doctor but dropped out of college to pursue poker full-time after realizing his potential in the game.

Mizrachi's first major WSOP success came in 2005 when he tied the record for seven money finishes in a single year. In 2008, he finished third in the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha World Championship. His first WSOP bracelet came in 2010, winning the $50,000 Poker Players Championship for $1,559,046, defeating Vladimir Shchemelev heads-up. His brother Robert finished fifth in the same event. Later that year, Mizrachi made the November Nine of the WSOP Main Event, finishing fifth for $2,332,992, eliminated by eventual winner Jonathan Duhamel. Despite a strong year, Frank Kassela won WSOP Player of the Year, leading to controversy and a refinement of the scoring system. ESPN commentator Norman Chad dubbed 2010 "The Year of The Grinder."

In 2011, Mizrachi finished runner-up in the $2,500 Omaha/Stud Eight or Better event for $158,148, and later won his second bracelet at the 2011 WSOPE in the €10,400 No Limit Hold'em (Split Format) for €336,008, defeating Shawn Buchanan heads-up. He won his second $50,000 Poker Players Championship in 2012 for $1,451,527, and a third in 2018. His fourth victory came in 2025, the same year he won the WSOP Main Event, earning $10 million. With eight bracelets total, he is one of the most decorated WSOP players.

Mizrachi has two World Poker Tour titles and seven final table appearances. His WPT wins are among the highlights of his career, showcasing his ability to succeed in major tournaments beyond the WSOP.

Mizrachi has three children: Paul William, Julie, and Joseph. He resides in Hollywood, Florida. He previously owned a motor home purchased from poker winnings to keep his family close while traveling, but sold it due to depreciation. In early 2010, a federal tax lien of $339,711 was filed against him for unpaid taxes from 2005-2007. He also faced foreclosure on two residential properties, including a condominium owned with his brother. In 2016, his wife Aidiliy Mizrachi divorced him citing irreconcilable differences. Despite these challenges, Mizrachi rebounded to achieve his greatest success.

Mizrachi is known for a hyper-aggressive style, frequently applying pressure with large bets and raises. He excels at reading opponents and making timely bluffs, adapting seamlessly across limit, pot-limit, and no-limit games, particularly in mixed-game formats. He often wears sunglasses and headphones to maintain focus.

Mizrachi was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2025 under extraordinary circumstances, bypassing the regular election process after winning the Main Event. The honor recognized his unprecedented feat of winning both the $50,000 Poker Players Championship and the Main Event in the same year, cementing his status as one of the greatest all-around poker players in history. His career earnings, eight WSOP bracelets, and record in the Poker Players Championship ensure his place in poker lore.