When legends walk into a poker room, it’s not always clear they’re about to write history. But on June 28, 2025, inside the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, Michael Mizrachi—known to the world as “The Grinder”—did just that, etching his name deeper into the game’s lore with a record-setting fourth victory in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship (PPC) at the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
Already one of the most respected names in tournament poker, Mizrachi came into the 2025 WSOP with three PPC titles to his name—2010, 2012, and 2018. This year, however, he didn’t just chase history. He bulldozed it.
Mizrachi’s Dominant Performance in the 2025 PPC Final
The $50,000 Poker Players Championship is widely regarded as the ultimate test of a poker player’s versatility, featuring a rotation of mixed games. In 2025, the event drew 107 entries, generating a prize pool of $5,162,750. By the end, one man stood tall—Michael Mizrachi—with a massive payday of $1,331,322 and a piece of poker immortality.
The final table was stacked with elite talent: Bryn Kenney, Andrew Yeh, Joao Vieira, Esther Taylor, Albert Daher, and Ben Lamb. But it was Mizrachi who controlled the table from start to finish. He eliminated five of the other six finalists himself—an astonishing feat in any high-stakes poker tournament.
His closest challenger, Bryn Kenney, who tops the all-time money list, fell short in heads-up play, taking home $887,542 for second place. Esther Taylor’s historic third-place finish for $595,136 marked the deepest run by a female player in PPC history, surpassing Melissa Burr’s 7th place in 2014.
Final Table Results – $50K Poker Players Championship 2025
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Mizrachi | United States | $1,331,322 |
| 2 | Bryn Kenney | United States | $887,542 |
| 3 | Esther Taylor | United States | $595,136 |
| 4 | Andrew Yeh | United States | $413,740 |
| 5 | Joao Vieira | Portugal | $298,614 |
| 6 | Albert Daher | Lebanon | $224,077 |
| 7 | Ben Lamb | United States | $175,096 |
“The Best I’ve Ever Played”: Mizrachi Reflects
After the dust settled, Mizrachi was candid in his self-assessment. “I probably played better than the last three I won,” he said with a smile. “Everything went my way this tournament. I was always at the top of the leaderboard, never really got short, and probably played my best overall.”
In a game where variance and shifting chip stacks can derail even the most seasoned pros, staying on top from start to finish is rare. Mizrachi didn’t just ride a hot streak—he engineered it.
From scooping massive pots early in Stud Hi-Lo to pulling off a daring bluff with four-high against Joao Vieira, Mizrachi was in full command. His reads were razor-sharp, his aggression perfectly timed, and his decision-making surgical.
The Road to Victory: Day 3 Highlights
The final day began with seven players, but Mizrachi wasted no time thinning the field. On the very first hand, Ben Lamb busted in Stud Hi-Lo. Soon after, Albert Daher fell to Mizrachi’s superior hand in No-Limit Hold’em. Mizrachi then took out Joao Vieira, first bluffing him off a strong holding and then finishing him with another flush in Stud.
Andrew Yeh was the next to go in Pot-Limit Omaha, setting up a dramatic three-way showdown between Mizrachi, Taylor, and Kenney.
Taylor had dreams of becoming the first woman to reach heads-up in this event, but Kenney fought back hard, surviving three critical double-ups. The final blow came in No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw, where Kenney made a wheel to eliminate Taylor in third.
Heads-up didn’t last long. Mizrachi entered with a massive chip lead and made quick work of Kenney, locking up his fourth Chip Reese Memorial Trophy and delivering a performance for the ages.
One Step Closer to the Poker Hall of Fame
With seven WSOP bracelets and four PPC titles, Mizrachi is now on a path similar to Brian Rast, who earned his Hall of Fame induction in 2024 after winning his third PPC title in 2023.
Is the Hall of Fame next for Mizrachi?
“Yeah, if I win the fifth one, maybe,” he said, only half-joking. “This is quite an accomplishment, and I hope so. Hopefully, next year I get inducted too.”
The rail seemed to agree. Chants of “Hall of Fame” echoed as Mizrachi sealed the deal, holding the trophy that bears the name of his late friend, Chip Reese.
All-Time Poker Players Championship Winners (2006–2025)
The $50K PPC has produced some of the greatest winners in poker history—from Chip Reese in the inaugural 2006 edition to legends like Brian Rast, Daniel Negreanu, and Dan Cates. With four titles, Mizrachi now sits alone at the top.
Here’s a quick look at some notable winners:
- 2025: Michael Mizrachi – $1,331,322
- 2024: Daniel Negreanu – $1,178,703
- 2023: Brian Rast – $1,324,747
- 2018: Michael Mizrachi – $1,239,126
- 2012: Michael Mizrachi – $1,451,527
- 2010: Michael Mizrachi – $1,559,046
No one else has come close to Mizrachi’s four titles. His legacy in this event is secure, unmatched, and possibly unreachable—unless Brian Rast has something to say about it.
Why Mizrachi’s Win Matters
In an era where poker is constantly evolving—with solvers, GTO strategies, and new formats—Mizrachi’s win is a throwback to feel, instinct, and raw aggression. He remains one of the few who can transition seamlessly between live reads and advanced strategy, all while putting relentless pressure on his opponents.
It’s not just the title or the prize money. It’s about a poker player setting a standard that may never be matched again in one of the game’s most prestigious formats. His win also adds renewed interest in mixed games, a format that truly tests a player’s all-around abilities.
Final Thoughts
Michael Mizrachi’s fourth Poker Players Championship title is more than just another tournament win—it’s a defining moment in poker history. From the calculated bluffs to the flawless final table strategy, “The Grinder” showed why he’s one of the most iconic figures in the game.
With seven bracelets, four PPC titles, and a mountain of respect from his peers, Mizrachi is on the doorstep of the Poker Hall of Fame. Whether or not he wins a fifth title, his place in poker lore is secured.
But don’t be surprised if he’s back next year with that same trademark smile, chasing bracelet number eight—and PPC title number five.
About BetterPokerNews
At BetterPokerNews, we bring you the most inspiring and insightful updates from the international poker world. From WSOP highlights to player profiles, strategy articles, and behind-the-scenes tournament drama—we’ve got it all. Whether you’re a poker fan, aspiring grinder, or seasoned pro, our mission is to bring you stories that matter, written with heart and hustle.
sources:pokernews