Is Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi the Best Poker Player in the World? | PokerNews Podcast #909
In the 909th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Kyna England, and Mike Holtz wrap up coverage of the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) by highlighting Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, who not only won the 2025 WSOP Main Event for $10 million but was also snap-inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. It was a historic summer for The Grinder, and the crew gave him his just deserts.
They then talk about Shaun Deeb winning the WSOP Player of the Year for a second time, numbers from the summer, and late bracelet winners, including Andrew Ostapchenko, Daniel Zack, and Chad Eveslage. They also share final results from this year's 25K Fantasy Draft as well as the PokerNews Podcast draft involving Christina Gollins and Joey Ingram.
Meanwhile, news out of Las Vegas indicates poker chips can no longer be redeemed across competing properties, and there's a great high hand promotion at the Planet Hollywood Poker Room that players should know about. From there, it's over to the Venetian, including a big hand with Patrick Leonard from Venetian Poker Live, as well as Nico Betbese winning the WPT Venetian for $706K.
Finally, an update of all things PokerStars, including them parting ways with Barny Boatman, Silver Passes, Women's Summer Festival, and a look ahead to the EPT Barcelona.
Time Stamps
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | Welcome to the show |
| 00:36 | Post-WSOP hangover |
| 02:10 | Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi wins WSOP Main Event |
| 05:10 | Winner interview w/ Michael Mizrachi |
| 08:02 | Mama Grinder on the rail |
| 08:26 | The Grinder inducted into Poker Hall of Fame |
| 12:19 | Numbers from the 2025 WSOP |
| 17:30 | Shaun Deeb wins 2025 WSOP POY |
| 21:05 | Andrew Ostapchenko claims first bracelet |
| 22:35 | Chad Eveslage captures fourth gold bracelet |
| 23:28 | Daniel Zack also wins fourth bracelet |
| 24:59 | 25K Fantasy & PokerNews Fantasy results |
| 29:25 | High Hand promotion at Planet Hollywood |
| 30:54 | Poker chip change-up in Las Vegas |
| 32:25 | Heated hand from Venetian Poker Live |
| 40:02 | Nico Betbese wins WPT Venetian for $706K |
| 40:25 | Barny Boatman & PokerStars part ways |
| 42:55 | Silver Passes to NAPT |
| 45:08 | A look ahead to EPT Barcelona |
| 45:33 | PokerStars Women’s Summer Festival |
Tell us who you want to hear from. Let us know what you think of the show — tweet about the podcast using #PNPod, and be sure to follow Chad Holloway on X.
The podcast is sponsored by the #1 free-to-play WSOP app. Remember to use the bonus code "POKERNEWS" if you download and play for an extra 1,000,000 in chips!
Subscribe to the PokerNews Podcast on Apple Podcasts here! You can also find us on Spotify as well as our new page on SoundCloud!






