The 2025 World Series of Poker was huge, with Michael Mizrachi and Shaun Deeb racking up some impressive wins. This article uncovers how much cash they pocketed playing poker, their journey to get there, and the strategies that helped them succeed.
The world of high-stakes poker is always full of dramatic moments, but the 2025 World Series of Poker really stood out. Two names were on everyone’s lips at the Horseshoe Las Vegas: Michael Mizrachi, who goes by “The Grinder,” and the solid player Shaun Deeb. Their performances weren’t just about winning; they were showcases of skill, stamina, and smart strategy. In the end, they walked away with some serious cash and solidified their spots in poker history.
Michael Mizrachi’s Monumental Double
Michael Mizrachi’s performance at the 2025 WSOP was nothing short of legendary. He managed to achieve a rare feat by winning two of the biggest tournaments in the series, which really set him apart as one of the top players in poker history. His skills on the table are a testament to what true talent looks like. If you’re new to poker, it might be a good idea to explore online casinos with the help of Bonuses.com to get started. Online casinos offer a low-pressure way to pick up the basic rules, practice making decisions, and get a feel for the game before jumping into a live tournament.
First, Mizrachi triumphed in the $10,000 Main Event World Championship. He navigated a massive field of 9,735 players, claiming a staggering $10,000,000 for his first Main Event bracelet. His final table performance felt incredibly dominant. He showed his characteristic aggressive and fearless style, notably eliminating John Wasnock in heads-up play to claim the title. This win was particularly significant because it was the one major WSOP bracelet that had long eluded his impressive resume, despite making a Main Event final table back in 2010.
Before his Main Event win, Mizrachi secured a record-setting fourth victory in the highly regarded $50,000 Poker Players Championship. This mixed-game event, often considered the true test of a poker player’s all-around skill, awarded him an additional $1,331,322. This win broke his tie with Brian Rast, making him the undisputed leader in PPC titles. How many players can claim such versatile dominance?
Financial Haul and Hall of Fame Recognition
Mizrachi’s combined winnings from these two events alone exceeded $11.33 million. This made it one of the most profitable WSOP series for any individual player in history. But his gains went beyond money. Mizrachi’s 2025 WSOP performance earned him an immediate and extraordinary induction into the Poker Hall of Fame.
This special induction skipped the usual election process, highlighting his incredible achievements. Winning both the Main Event and the PPC in the same year, and becoming an 8-time WSOP bracelet winner, truly set him apart. Mizrachi’s career WSOP cashes now exceed $20.8 million, with total live tournament winnings over $28.3 million.
Shaun Deeb’s Consistent Excellence
Shaun Deeb just boosted his reputation as one of the most consistent and versatile players in poker by snagging the 2025 WSOP Player of the Year (POY) title. This is his second POY win, putting him in an elite club with Daniel Negreanu as one of the only two players to take home the WSOP Player of the Year title twice.
Deeb’s win really shows off his impressive volume and deep runs in a bunch of different poker games. He also scored his seventh WSOP bracelet in Event #79: $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller, raking in a crazy $2,957,227. That’s his biggest career payday. This big win played a huge role in boosting his POY points.
While the $100K PLO win was his only bracelet of the summer, Deeb’s POY campaign was built on consistent performance. He reached four final tables and cashed in an impressive 18 events during the series. The new POY scoring system (implemented in 2024) only counts a player’s best 10 scores, but Deeb’s multiple deep runs ensured he had a pretty strong point total.
The POY race in 2025 was one of the most thrilling in recent memory. Deeb faced strong competition from players like Benny Glaser, who won three bracelets, and Martin Kabrhel. Deeb maintained his lead by strategically grinding events and securing crucial points, eventually edging out Glaser, who fell short in the final events. Deeb’s success across various disciplines, from Pot-Limit Omaha to mixed games and No-Limit Hold’em, showcases his adaptability and comprehensive poker skill, a true hallmark of a Player of the Year.
Putting All Your Chips In
If you’re new to poker, keep it simple at first. Play at lower stakes so you can get the hang of the game without losing too much cash. Make sure you know the basic hand rankings and where you stand at the table; good hands usually beat out just jumping into every pot. Pay attention to how your opponents bet to get a feel for what they might be holding.
The 2025 WSOP was filled with some serious poker action, especially with Michael Mizrachi and Shaun Deeb making a big splash. They showed off some impressive skills and strategies, cementing their spots in poker history and inspiring both newcomers and seasoned players.