Michael Watson

Michael Watson was born in 1984 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and now resides in Toronto, Ontario. He began his poker career online under the screen name "SirWatts" and quickly established himself in the live tournament scene. His first major breakthrough came in July 2008 when he won the World Poker Tour (WPT) Bellagio Cup IV, earning $1,673,770. The final table included Gabriel Thaler, John Phan, Ralph Perry, Luke Staudenmaier, and David Benyamine, whom Watson defeated heads-up. This victory put him on the map as a rising star in the poker world.

Watson's WPT title was the highlight of his early career. He also made six WPT final tables overall and has totaled 13 money finishes in the circuit. His WPT earnings exceed $1.9 million, and he remains one of the few Canadians to win a WPT main event. In addition to the Bellagio Cup, Watson has cashed in numerous WPT events, demonstrating consistent performance across different formats and buy-ins.

Watson has been highly successful on the European Poker Tour (EPT), winning two main events and becoming the third player in history to do so. His first EPT main event victory came in 2016 at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) in the Bahamas, where he took home over $700,000. Seven years later, in May 2023, he won the EPT Monte Carlo main event for €749,425, joining the elite club of multiple EPT champions. He also finished third in the 2008 EPT London High Roller Showdown for $422,750, a final table that featured Jason Mercier, John Juanda, Scotty Nguyen, David Benyamine, and Isabelle Mercier. Across the EPT, Watson has 41 money finishes and 20 final tables, with total earnings of over $1.74 million from the circuit.

Watson's WSOP resume is extensive, with 134 cashes, 29 final tables, and one bracelet. He secured his first WSOP bracelet on July 8, 2024, by winning the $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em 6-Max Online Championship. This victory completed the prestigious Triple Crown, making him the tenth player ever to win titles on the WPT, EPT, and WSOP. His WSOP earnings total $5,545,032. Watson also finished runner-up in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em Mixed Max event at the 2014 WSOP. He has made 25 final tables overall (with 29 being the latest count) and holds a highest Main Event finish of 589th in 2013. His consistent deep runs in WSOP events underscore his adaptability across various game types, including No-Limit Hold'em and mixed games.

In recent years, Watson has become a fixture in the Triton Super High Roller Series, amassing multiple titles and millions in earnings. He has won at least seven Triton events, including the $125,000 No-Limit Hold'em Seven Max in Jeju (September 2025) for $2,130,812, his largest single cash. He also took first place in the $50,000 No-Limit Hold'em Turbo Bounty Quattro (May 2026) for $381,000 and the $30,000 No-Limit Hold'em Turbo (May 2026) for $659,000, both in Montenegro. In March 2024, he finished third in the $150,000 No-Limit Hold'em Eight Max in Jeju for $1,895,000, his second-best live cash. His Triton performances have solidified his reputation as one of the top high-stakes players in the world.

Watson is known for his technical foundation and calm demeanor at the tables. He excels in mixed games and adapts his strategy based on opponents, combining solid fundamentals with timely aggression. His nickname "SirWatts" reflects his online roots, and he is respected for his work ethic and ability to perform under pressure, especially in short-stacked and bubble situations. He has been ranked as high as #2 on the Global Poker Index (June 2013) and was ranked #24 in July 2014. Watson is considered a well-rounded player who can thrive in both live and online formats, and his Triple Crown achievement cements his legacy among poker's elite.

As of 2026, Watson's total live tournament earnings exceed $30 million, with combined live and online earnings surpassing $40 million. He continues to compete at the highest levels, with recent cashes in the 2026 Triton Montenegro series and a fifth-place finish in the $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event for $585,000. His career milestones include over 334 recorded cashes and a GPI Player of the Year ranking of 36th in 2026. Watson's journey from online grinder to Triple Crown champion serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the importance of skill, adaptability, and sustained excellence in poker.

Michael Watson, known online as "SirWatts" and occasionally "SirBusket", built his reputation through online poker before transitioning to live tournaments. His online alias "SirWatts" became synonymous with high-level play, and he has accumulated significant online earnings that complement his live success. The nickname "SirBusket" has also been associated with his online activities. Watson's background as an online grinder has informed his technical approach and ability to adapt to different formats.

As of 2026, Watson sits 28th on the all-time live money list with total live earnings exceeding $30.5 million. His Global Poker Index Player of the Year ranking for 2026 is 36th, with over $3.4 million in POY-worthy earnings. These rankings reflect his sustained excellence across multiple high-stakes series and his ability to compete with the world's best players year after year.