Charting His Own Course: Aaron Mermelstein Comes Close to Another WPT Title

Dec 3, 2019

Aaron Mermelstein

By Sean Chaffin

Another WPT event, another deep run. At least that’s how it’s been lately for two-time WPT champion Aaron Mermelstein. On Day 4 of the WPT Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open, he was at it again with 17 players left starting the day and another chance of joining Carlos Mortensen, Anthony Zinno, Chino Rheem, and Gus Hansen in the three-time club.

“It’s been an interesting season where I had a couple shots,” he says. “It would be nice to at least make the final table and have a shot at closing the deal.”

Last season he notched a seventh-place finish at the Baccarat Crystal WPT Tournament of Champions for $50,870. This season he’s also cashed 16th at Legends of Poker and 22nd at the Borgata Poker Open.

Mermelstein is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but moved to South Florida two years ago. He loves the tropical vibes he gets from the Sunshine State.

“I love Sunny Isles [a city located on a barrier island in northeast Miami-Dade County], I love Florida, I love the weather, I love the atmosphere,” he says. “Philly’s great, I love Philly a lot and it’s always home, but there’s nothing wrong with Miami. It’s a good place to be and get away from the cold. It’s a fun city with beautiful weather, beautiful women and people.”

His first WPT title came in Season XIII when he won the WPT Borgata Poker Classic for $712,305. He followed that up in Season XIV by winning WPT Maryland for $250,222. At the Rock ‘N’ Roll, Mermelstein has definitely had to put in some work to get this far. Two days ago, an early tournament exit seemed likely.

“It’s been a crazy roller coaster,” he says. “At the end of Day 2, I had the majority of the chips for a lot of the tournament. Then I made a big bluff and left myself one and a half blinds. I’ve grinded that up to average stack with 17 players left.”

In a poker career dating back to 2010, Mermelstein has $3.3 million in live tournament winnings. That includes an impressive list of wins and top finishes. In April here at the Seminole Hard Rock, Mermelstein won a $25,000 High Roller for $618,955.

Beyond poker, he’s been involved with some other business ventures and is always looking for other opportunities outside the game. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and watching movies in his free time. That reading usually involves self-help and educational books – not poker or strategy.

“I hate poker strategy,” he says laughing. “I make my own strategy.”

That approach seems to be working. Ultimately that third title didn’t head his way and he finished 16th for $27,825.

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.

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