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Poker Player profile: Mike Matusow
Mike Matusow is a professional poker player sponsored by Full Tilt. Play with "The Mouth" now on Full Tilt Poker.
One of the most polarizing figures in all of poker, Mike “The Mouth” Matusow has had one of the most topsy-turvy rides in the history of the game. On his way to poker stardom, Matusow has gone from winning millions, to losing it all and ending up in jail, and winning millions again! Matusow’s life is normally found in a great book – and his autobiography Check-Raising the Devil was recently released in May 2009.
Matusow‘s first poker experiences were with video poker machines when he was 18 years old. He played so much that he suffered from repetitive strain in his arms and shoulders; and went so far as stealing money from his mother’s purse to fund his video poker habit (a sign of addiction, and things to come).
All that changed in 1989 when Matusow was taught Texas Hold’ Em poker at the age of 21. And the rest is as they say… History.
Matusow has won over $6 million in tournaments over the years including three WSOP bracelets. His poker accomplishments are phenomenal:
2005 Tournament of Champions winner - $1 million
9th place in the 2005 WSOP Main Event - $1 million
2 WSOP Main Event final tables
4 WPT Final Tables
First player to win two $1 million prizes in the same year
Matusow’s first big score came in 1998, when he backed Scotty Nguyen in the Main Event at the WSOP. Of course, Scotty went on to win the Main Event, and Matusow netted $333,000.
Matusow has been a beacon for the ESPN cameras; for both his play and his constant needling of other players (where do you think the nickname came from). Matusow first burst into the public eye in 2004 when his ‘over the line’ insults to eventual champion Greg Raymer were telecast on ESPN. Mike, as he usually does, was quick to apologize and admit that he says some stupid things from time to time. Matusow was later seen crying after his bust-out.
The following year it was his run to the final table that captured the ESPN cameras’ attention. Unfortunately for Matusow, he was dealt a ‘cooler’ early on when his pocket Kings ran into pocket Aces. A few months later Matusow went on to win the Tournament of Champions Invitational Tournament.
Matusow has had his problems with addiction, and has even had a 6-month stint in jail for Cocaine possession, after purchasing Cocaine from an undercover cop who had befriended the poker star. Matusow has also struggled with his weight, which prompted a much publicized prop bet with Ted Forrest: Matusow had to be under 181 pounds by June 3rd; on June 3rd Matusow weighed in at 179lbs and collected the $100,000 from Forrest.
Matusow is known for playing brilliant poker for extended periods of time, only to lose all his winnings with one foolish play: Known as the “Matusow Blow-Up”.
Last year Matusow vowed to change his negative way of thinking, and start using a more positive approach to poker and life. While he still needles opponents (you can’t turn the sky purple) his attacks have definitely been downgraded. Love him or hate him, Matusow is one of the best tournament players in poker.
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