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Player Profile

Mike Matusow - The Mouth of Poker

Born in Los Angeles, California in April, 1968, Mike Matusow didn't take long to develop his most defining characteristic - his mouth. Even as a kid growing up, Mike was never afraid of voicing his opinions, even if it meant standing up to the biggest and toughest kids in the neighborhood. He might come home battered and bruised sometimes, but never defeated.

In the early 1990s, Mike began working as a dealer at a local casino. He used his time to study the players and their techniques. Soon, his game improved and he entered a small local poker tournament, which he promptly won.

Encouraged, Mike quickly became a regular in these small tournaments, winning often enough to boost both his bankroll and his confidence. With some money behind him, Mike decided to move up the ladder. He began playing in cash games around town, specializing in Omaha Hi/Lo, where he quickly excelled. To this day, Mike is widely considered to be one of the best Omaha Hi/Lo players in the world.

In 1999, Mike won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet playing No-Limit Hold 'em. In 2001, Mike made his first appearance at the WSOP Main Event final table, and in 2002, Mike won his second WSOP bracelet playing his specialty, Omaha Hi/Lo.

With success came access to the Las Vegas high life, and Mike didn't shy away from a good time. The partying and hard living took a toll on Mike, however, and led to the toughest period in his personal and professional life when, in late 2004, he was sentenced to six months in the Clark County jail on a drug charge.

Mike vowed to play the best poker of his life upon his release, and in July 2005, just three months out, Mike proved true to his word, becoming the second person to ever reach the WSOP Main Event final table twice in a starting field of 600 or more players.

Inspired by his performance, and wanting to prove that there's more to his game than just his mouth, Mike scored the biggest victory of his career a few months later when he out-played - and often out-talked - a field of 110 of the world's best players to win the 2005 Tournament of Champions and took home a $1 million payout.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Mike constantly works on his game and remains one of the most successful - and outspoken - players at any table he joins.