Who is Wearing That Massive Hat? And Will He Break Out Into Thriller Dance?
PokerNews live reporter Joseph Berg was spotted in the field of Event #92: $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty sporting a massive Bryan Micon hat.
Micon tweeted near the end of the 2024 World Series, "Busted this summer? Looking for a freeroll to save it all? Applications now open to wear this hat for 50% of yourself in a <$500 tournament."
Berg took him up on that offer and ran deep in last year's so-called Hat Stake, finishing sixth in a tournament in Las Vegas, then followed it up with Hat Stake Part Two and a 52nd-place showing this summer in Event #2: $500 Industry Employees No-Limit Hold'em. The two agreed to bring back the Hat Stake today for slightly higher stakes, hoping whatever magic the hat holds will come through over the next couple of days.
Who is Bryan Micon?
Micon: From Poker Tables to Bitcoin Trails
Micon is a genuine original, an unforgettable character in both the poker world and the early days of cryptocurrency. Known for his entrepreneurial flair and unconventional style, Micon has made a name for himself not only through bold plays on the felt but also through pioneering moves in the digital space, especially at the intersection of Bitcoin and poker.
Breaking Through at the WSOP
Micon first captured public attention during the 2005 and 2006 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. His journey to the big stage began online, where he successfully won multiple satellites on PokerStars, back when online qualifiers were exploding in popularity. Those wins earned him over $30,000 in tournament entries, catapulting him into some of the most high-profile events of the series.
He made his mark in the Main Event, making a deep run, finishing 63rd, an impressive result that came with a $250,000 payday. More than just a strong finish, Micon's antics and personality lit up the poker scene, bursting into Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance on live television, later donning an electronic sign that flashed the word “DONKEY” at the tables.
Whether remembered for his deep runs, infamous dances, or crypto ventures, Micon remains a standout character in poker history. Equal parts entertainer and innovator, he’s proof that success in this game, and life, often comes to those bold enough to dance to their own beat.