Lost in the excitement of the release of the 2026 WSOP schedule was this little nugget.
Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi is accepting a new challenge.
Known for his impressive record in the poker world, Mizrachi has taken on a unique bet against fellow poker pro Chino Rheem. The stakes aren't as high as the WSOP Main Event, but they're up there: $100,000 is on the line.
But the game? It's not on the poker table. Instead, it's a year-long commitment to abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, and recreational drugs, except for hookah and vaping.
In 2025, he made history by winning both the PPC and the WSOP Main Event in the same series—a feat that led to his unanimous induction into the Poker Hall of Fame. Winning this bet would only add to his legendary status.
The Prop Bet
The wager is a hot topic among poker enthusiasts and came to light during a YouTube interview on Boaz Hepner's channel, "Chosen Links by Boaz."
The episode, filmed in early 2025 and released in February 2026, featured a lively discussion with poker greats, including Daniel Negreanu and Mike Matusow. Beyond exploring poker insights and cultural themes, Mizrachi dropped the bombshell about his bet with Rheem.
David Yongtaek "Chino" Rheem is a poker player from Los Angeles, California. In November 2008, Rheem finished in seventh place at the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event, cashing for $1,772,650.
Mizrachi expressed confidence in his ability to win the bet, suggesting that Rheem may find it tougher to stay away from certain habits, especially his fondness for smoking weed. Mizrachi's confidence is rooted in his disciplined approach, honed over years of dominating poker's most challenging events.
Who's the Favorite?
Mizrachi confidently stated, "I'm the favorite against Chino." In response, Matusow inquired, "Why is Mike the favorite?" To this, Mizrachi explained that Rheem, a three-time World Poker Tour (WPT) champion, has a strong affinity for smoking.
The bet has stirred conversation across the poker community.
It's a unique twist, diverging from traditional prop bets that usually stay within poker confines. Engaging in this personal challenge adds another layer to Mizrachi's dynamic personality and showcases the strong camaraderie (and rivalry) within the poker world.
Mizrachi's Poker Legacy
Following what many consider the most legendary summer in poker history, newly inducted Poker Hall of Famer "The Grinder" is no stranger to poker glory.
He holds the record with four victories in the $50,000 WSOP Poker Players Championship (PPC), a testament to his versatility and skill in mixed games.
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, which included the first woman in 30 years, Mizrachi maintained his edge against a fiercely competitive field and ultimately won the first-place prize.
The event also featured the largest total prize pool in Main Event history.
What's Next for Michael Mizrachi?
With no updates yet on who might have the upper hand, the bet remains a fresh topic.
Followers of the poker scene are keen to see how this unusual wager unfolds. As the months progress, Mizrachi and Rheem are likely to receive both support and scrutiny from fans and fellow players alike.
Only time will tell who walks away with the $100,000 prize, and the poker community is here for every moment of it.
For those interested in the full podcast interview, Boaz Hepner's episode is available on YouTube under "Chosen Links by Boaz" (Episode 15: "Poker Pros: A Dialogue on Israel, Antisemitism & the Game They Love").
The conversation provides deeper insight into the players’ lives, current events, and, of course, this intriguing bet.
Stay tuned—2026 might just be the year of Mizrachi's greatest challenge yet!
