There were a couple of massive accomplishments for two seasoned players at the $50,000 Poker Players' Championship over the weekend. Esther Taylor set a new benchmark for women, while Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi set the bar for all players.
Taylor was the only woman to enter the tournament, and she made a significant impact. She raised the standard for female players in this prestigious event by finishing in third place and earning $595,136, breaking the previous record set by Melissa Burr. Burr was the first woman to cash in this event, placing seventh in 2014 and earning $165,435.
Taylor is an accomplished American poker player who added to her $2.3 million in live earnings. Until this weekend, her best career win was finishing third in the WSOP $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha in 2017, earning $543,713. To top this, she needed another top-three finish in the $50,000 event this weekend, and she made it.
Her consistent success in high-stakes tournaments showcases her exceptional poker skills and determination, especially in fields dominated by the world's top poker players.
But the record-setting weekend didn't end there.
Who Won The $50,000 2025 Poker Players' Championship?
Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi won the $50,000 2025 Poker Players' Championship, beating Bryn Kenney, the All-Time Money List leader. This win further cemented Mizrachi's legendary status in the poker world, earning him $1,331,322 and reinforcing his reputation as possibly the greatest competitor in the event's history.
This marks Mizrachi's fourth triumph in the championship, adding to his victories in 2010, 2012, and 2018. Each victory has not only brought him a seven-figure payout but also his seventh career WSOP bracelet. His strategic prowess and dominance have made him a venerated figure in the poker community.
The $50,000 Poker Players' Championship is renowned for its difficulty and prestige, attracting elite players skilled across various poker formats. It's one of the highlights of the WSOP Tournament schedule. Since its inception in 2006, it has served as a rigorous test of skill, endurance, and strategic thinking, showcasing a mixed-game format composed of popular poker variants.
How Popular is This Event?
The $50,000 Poker Players' Championship, held annually at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), stands out as one of the most prestigious and challenging tournaments in the poker world. Known for its rigorous multi-game format, this event tests players' skills across various poker variants, including No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Razz, and Limit Hold’em.
With an impressive buy-in of $50,000, the tournament consistently draws some of the world's best players, showcasing an elite level of competition. Winners not only take home a significant cash prize—exceeding $1.3 million in recent years—but also receive the esteemed WSOP gold bracelet and the Chip Reese Memorial Trophy, named in honor of the legendary poker player.
The event is famous for its roster of top-tier professionals and previous bracelet winners. Legends like Daniel Cates, celebrated for consecutive victories, and Brian Rast, a three-time champion, have participated over the years. The final table is usually a battleground for seasoned pros, underscoring the event's elite level of competition.
Esther Taylor's outstanding performance this year redefined success for female participants in this intense competition, while Mizrachi's ongoing achievements continue to cement his legacy, ensuring the championship remains a pinnacle event in competitive poker. This tournament not only attracts the strongest talents but also inspires stories of skill and perseverance in the poker community.
