It was only fitting.
Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi claimed victory in the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in a remarkable fashion.
This win marks his first Main Event title and enhances his already impressive poker resume, which includes four Poker Players Championship victories, with the most recent triumph occurring just over two weeks ago. The combination of these two monumental victories marks him as a trailblazer in the world of poker.
“Mizrachi has completed what might be the most impressive feat in poker history by winning the two most difficult tournaments to win in the same year,” said WSOP Chief Executive Officer Ty Stewart.
Mizrachi's achievement will be remembered in poker lore not only for winning the WSOP 2025 Main Event but also for his induction as the newest member of the Poker Hall of Fame.
A WSOP Main Event for the Ages
Mizrachi's performance at the WSOP 2025 Main Event was nothing short of domination.
Starting with an impressive chip lead from Day One of the Final Table, Mizrachi maintained his edge against a fiercely competitive field and ultimately claimed the first-place prize.
This year's event boasted the largest total prize pool in Main Event history, totaling a staggering $90,535,500. Mizrachi took home $10 million and a coveted WSOP Main Event Bracelet valued at $500,000.
Mizrachi Beat Huge Odds During WSOP 2025 Run
Despite his eventual triumph, The Grinder faced significant challenges along the way and really lived up to his name.
On Day 8 of the Main Event, he found himself down to just three big blinds, a position that would seem dire for any player. Yet, Mizrachi's resilience and strategic acumen propelled him to an awe-inspiring comeback. He also had to beat the first woman to make the final table in 30 years.
By quickly eliminating two of the final four players within the first two hands of Day 2 at the Final Table, Mizrachi secured his championship victory, completing the feat in only 24 total hands.
2025 World Series of Poker Final Table
"The Grinder" Welcomed into the Poker Hall of Fame
As if his Main Event victory wasn’t enough, Mizrachi received an unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime honor at the conclusion of the tournament.
When the WSOP announced the nominees for this year's Poker Hall of Fame, Michael Mizrachi's name wasn't on the list. But after winning the $50,000 Poker Players Championship for the fourth time, it seemed like his entry into the Hall of Fame next year would be a sure thing.
Well, he didn't have to wait.
He was greeted at the Final Table by a group of Poker Hall of Famers, including legends like Phil Ivey, Jennifer Harman, and Phil Hellmuth. They announced that Mizrachi had been voted in as the 65th member of the Poker Hall of Fame. The decision was made through an emergency vote conducted by the living members, with an overwhelming majority in favor of his induction.
“Mizrachi has done the unthinkable, winning the two most difficult tournaments in the same summer,” Stewart said. “The WSOP would like to officially welcome The Grinder to the Gallery of Champions and the Poker Hall of Fame.”
World Series of Poker: A Legacy of Excellence
The World Series of Poker has a longstanding reputation as the premier poker event, having awarded over $4 billion in prize money since its inception in 1970.
It's been around for more than 50 years. It is the longest-running tournament of its kind, and the series has expanded into a wide range of poker games.
In 2024, the main event in Las Vegas set new records by attracting 229,553 players and giving away more than $438 million in prizes. Besides the main event, the WSOP holds approximately 40 additional events each year across various locations worldwide, including Europe and a new one called WSOP Paradise.
Play WSOP Games Online
There's also a popular online version of the series. People who want to play in WSOP events can qualify through competitions held exclusively at GGPoker, which is the largest online poker room.
With tournaments spanning all major poker variants, the WSOP continues to grow, setting records for participation and prize money. In 2024 alone, the flagship event in Las Vegas drew 229,553 entrants and awarded over $438 million.
In the cut-throat world of high-stakes poker, few occasions grip the attention of players and enthusiasts like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event.
In welcoming Mizrachi to its prestigious ranks, the WSOP not only celebrates a summer of striking achievements but also perpetuates its enduring legacy in the world of poker. The Grinder's triumph resonates as a testament to the heights that can be achieved in this beloved game of skill and endurance.
