World Poker Tour

Michael Mizrachi “The Grinder“

Birthplace
Miami, FL

Hometown
Hollywood, FL

Birthday
January 5

Total Winnings
$4,215,265

Family has always been a top priority for Michael Mizrachi, and his family's name is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in poker. Michael grew up in Miami Beach, Florida in a family with four boys. His parents turned to games to keep their boys occupied and close to home. The entire family started playing poker to satisfy the boys' need for competition.

Michael's older brother, Robert, was the first of the siblings to take an interest in poker as a career. Michael chose to go to college to pursue a degree in medicine, but he quickly started playing Limit Hold 'em online. His skills and passion for the game grew until he decided to leave school and play poker full-time. He gave himself the nickname "The Grinder" to signify his determination and competitive spirit.

Michael grinded it out online and in tournaments until the birth of his son in 2004. That life-changing event led to a greater focus and catapulted Michael to the top of the poker world. In January 2005, Michael entered the World Poker Open, a World Poker Tour event, and made it to the final table. Even though he went out in fifth place, he proved he was a top-tier player. Several weeks later, he entered the L.A. Poker Classic and won it all. In Season Four of the WPT, Michael won the Borgata Poker Classic and placed second in the World Poker Open. At the 2005 World Series of Poker, Michael tied a record with seven finishes in the money. In 2006, CardPlayer Magazine named him Player of the Year. Michael Mizrachi has earned more than $5.8 million dollars as a professional poker player, and wherever his career goes from here, you can bet his family will be right there beside him.