Mike Matusow - Poker Player

Biography

Matusow Mike, commonly known as ‘The Mouth’, is an American professional poker player. His nickname reflects his reputation for trash-talking at poker events. He started his career in poker in the 1990s, initially as a dealer and then as a professional player. He has won five WSOP bracelets and the 2005 WSOP Tournament of Champions.

Background

He was born in Los Angeles, California, on April 30th, 1968. He was first introduced to poker when he was 18 and used to play video games. He played so much that he got repetitive strain injuries in his shoulders and arms. He used to steal money from his mother’s purse and attend  Gamblers Anonymous meetings. In 1989, Steve Samaroff taught him Texas Holdem.

Mike Matusow Poker Career

In the 1998 World Series of Poker (WSOP), Matusow paid part of Scotty Nguyen's entrance fee for a satellite event. Nguyen won the event and gave Matusow $333,333 in return. In 1999, Matusow won his first WSOP bracelet, defeating Alex Brenes in the $3,500 No Limit Holdem event.

He won his second bracelet in the 2002 WSOP at the $5,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split 8 or Better event. In the 2005 WSOP, Matusow finished 9th in the main event and won $1,000,000. He won the WSOP Tournament of Champions a few months later, taking $1,000,000 home. He also became the first player to win two million dollars in a year.

In the 2008 WSOP, he won his 3rd bracelet and took $537,862 home. Later in the same year, he finished 30th in the main event. In 2013, he won his 4th bracelet in the $5,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Split 8 or Better tournament.

Other Poker Ventures

2004 Matusow finished third in the UltimateBet Aruba Classic on the WPT and won $250,000. In 2006, he was runner-up in the WPT Bad Boys of Poker II, played in Superstars III, and won $500,000.

From 2006 to 2007, he finished third and second when he appeared on multiple seasons of High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark. 2007 he finished second and won $671,320 in the WPT Bellagio Cup III Championship.

In 2008, he reached the final table of the WPT Foxwoods World Poker Finals, finishing 6th and winning $124,048. In 2013, he won the NBC National Heads-Up Championship.

World Series of Poker bracelets

Mike Matusow’s Net Worth

Mike Matusow’s total live earnings are $10,484,446, and his all-time money list rank is 142nd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Mike the Mouth Matusow?

Matusow had a spinal injury. Many players saw Matusow rolling around tournaments on a scooter in recent years. His condition has affected the upper and middle part of the back.

Is Mike Matusow a good player?

Matusow has won four WSOP bracelets. He was one of the top Full Tilt Poker pros.