Mike Watson

Mike Watson was born in 1984 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and now resides in Toronto. He cut his teeth in the online poker world under the screen name 'SirWatts', quickly gaining a reputation as a fearless and talented opponent. His first major live breakthrough came in July 2008 when he won the $15,400 World Poker Tour (WPT) Bellagio Cup IV for $1,673,770, defeating a final table that included John Phan, Ralph Perry, and David Benyamine.

Watson's European Poker Tour (EPT) success began with a 3rd-place finish in the 2008 EPT London High Roller Showdown ($422,750). In 2016, he won the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Main Event for $728,325. He secured his second EPT Main Event title in 2023 at EPT Monte Carlo, taking home €749,425 — making him only the third player ever to win two live EPT Main Events.

Despite multiple close calls at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), including runner-up finishes in 2011, 2014, and 2022, Watson finally claimed his first WSOP bracelet on July 8, 2024, in the $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em 6-Max Online Championship. This victory completed the prestigious Triple Crown (WSOP, WPT, EPT titles), making him the 10th player in history to achieve the feat.

Watson has excelled in high roller events around the world. In October 2012, he won the €50,000 Majestic High Roller at WSOP Europe for €1,000,000. In 2024, he recorded three seven-figure scores, including a career-high $1,895,000 for 3rd place in the $150,000 Triton Super High Roller Series in Jeju. He topped that mark in September 2025 by winning the $125,000 Triton Jeju event for $2,130,812, his largest live cash to date. Other notable Triton results include a 2nd-place finish in the $75,000 PLO event at WSOP Paradise in December 2025 ($1,459,360).

Watson's live tournament earnings exceed $38.5 million placing him among the top Canadian earners of all time. He has also accumulated 88 WSOP cashes and 25 final tables.

Watson is described as a fearless and aggressive player who thrives in high-pressure situations. His ability to adapt across different formats — from no-limit hold'em to mixed games and pot-limit Omaha — has made him a constant threat on the tournament circuit. Known as 'SirWatts' online and occasionally 'SirBusket', he maintains a low-key public profile but is highly respected by his peers for his consistency and deep understanding of the game.

In June 2013, Watson reached a career-high #2 on the Global Poker Index. He is a married father of one and continues to compete at the highest levels, both live and online.