Is Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi the Best Poker Player in the World?

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.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every week on Thursdays at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

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