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

In the 891st episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Kyna England talk about that viral knockout punch between two poker players at Red Rock in Las Vegas. See the video and learn what the Las Vegas Metro Police Department had to say when reached by PokerNews. Also, learn about a controversy from the EPT Monte Carlo final table in which Aleksandr Shevliakov, who won the tournament, allegedly shot an angle with six players remaining. It caused quite the stir on the live stream, but was it all as it seemed? Shevliakov took to social media to share his perspective, and let's just say it led to an interesting discussion between the crew. From there, it's recent tournament winners including Jesse Lonis, Maria Konnikova, and Valentin Vornicu; a preview of the WSOP+ App and Tournament of Champions; Allen Kessler living the life of a tournament floorman; and Chad's live reality game charity drive featuring a special "Burger of the Week" at Mark "P0ker H0" Kroon's Player's Bar in Madison, Wisconsin. 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! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday 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 PokerNews Podcast 01:00 | Poker fight goes viral 01:42 | Video of poker players fighting at Red Rock 04:01 | What did the police department have to say? 06:02 | Was there an angle shot at the EPT Monte Carlo final table? 06:20 | Aleksandr Shevliakov wins EPT Monte Carlo 07:17 | Video of the controversial hand 13:30 | Poll – What do the fans think? 13:47 | Aleksandr Shevliakov issues clarifying statement 18:50 | Sponsor – WPT Global 19:34 | Jesse Lonis scores big at EPT Monte Carlo 20:50 | Maria Konnikova captures her first PokerStars "Spadie" 21:43 | Ian Steinman goes back-to-back in RGPS events 22:36 | Valentin Vornicu captures WSOP Circuit ring No. 14 23:20 | WSOP Tournament of Champions kicks off 29:20 | The WSOP+ App 30:50 | Allen Kessler serves as a floorman 32:19 | 888poker's XL Spring Series 32:52 | Chad's Live to Give charity game – "Burger of the Week"

15 Maj 36min

In the 890th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Kyna England talk about admitted poker cheat Ali Imsirovic being DQ'ed mid-tournament from an event in Florida. Was it the right thing to do? It was a highly debated development, and the crew dove headfirst into the drama by discussing a poker black list, what bestbet Jacksonville could've done differently, and if poker pariahs could even be welcomed back to the game. They then give an update on Tom Dwan, whose recent social media posts really concerned the poker community, and then Connor Richards headed to PokerGO Studio to chat with the controversial Haliey "Hawk Tuah Girl" Welch and others at the Celebrity Poker Tour (CPT) Game Night VI. From there, it's highlights from the Hustler Casino Live (HCL) Million Dollar Game III, such as old-school player Erick Lindgren satelliting his way in, Texas Mike's wild ride, and an interview with Steve! Oh, and we'd be remiss if we didn't talk about that epic hand between Alan Keating and Peter. Mike then talks about making a final table at the Venetian and playing with Batman at a recent Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) event, Brad Gafford and John Juanda both won tournaments, and poker media veteran Paul Oresteen talks about his new Substack, which you can subscribe to here. Finally, PokerStars North America has introduced a dozen new "Throwables" and the PokerNews Podcast crew not only shares their favorites, but they also offer fans of the show an opportunity to win some just by either listening to or watching the podcast. 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! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday 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* 00:21 | Welcome Kyna England & Mike Holtz 01:01 | Admitted poker cheat Ali Imisorvic DQ'ed from poker tournament 02:47 | Second time this has happened 03:28 | Should poker have a black list? 09:11 | Is there a gray area when it comes to cheating in poker? 14:01 | Is Ali Imsirovic being made an example of? 15:56 | Update on Tom Dwan 19:10 | Haliey "Hawk Tuah Girl" Welch plays Celebrity Poker Tour event 20:38 | Highlights from CPT Game Night VI 22:31 | Sponsor: WSOP Free-to-Play App 23:00 | Hustler Casino Live (HCL) Million Dollar Game III 23:15 | Erick Lindgren wins satellite into MDG 25:40 | Texas Mike's up-and-down ride 27:00 | Steve & Tom Goldstein 27:21 | Interview w/ Steve at HCL 29:57 | Alan Keating & Peter battle it out 30:33 | Peter picks off Keating's bluff 32:27 | Alan Keating big winner with $1.9 million 33:41 | Biggest winners from all three Million Dollar Games 34:08 | Sponsor – WPT Global 34:40 | Mike makes final table at Venetian 36:15 | Mike & Batman play CSOP event supporting Critical Care Comics 37:20 | Matt Savage wins CSOP title 37:34 | George Wolfe wins RunGood Jacksonville Main Event for $92,817 37:45 | Brad Gafford Wins MSPT Season 16 Sycuan Main Event 39:20 | Graham Keith takes down PokerNews Championship at Malta Poker Festival 39:40 | John Juanda Wins Second Tournament of 2025 at APT Taipei 41:11 | New Substacks on the Block – Paul Oresteen 42:26 | PokerStars introduces new Throwables 43:57 | Win a PokerStars Throwable by listening to the PokerNews Podcast

8 Maj 46min

In the 889th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and [Kyna England talk about the recent drama involving, you guessed it, Maurice Hawkins and Denise Pratt. The latter claims to be owed $11,200 after backing the former, and things boiled over when she confronted him at the payout desk at the WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Tunica stop. What's more, the crew reacts to an interview Hawkins gave on his own podcast, him agreeing to come on the PokerNews Podcast before not responding, and then goes one-on-one with Denise Pratt to hear her side of the story. Mike then shares his experience as the last guest on the final episode of the Only Friends Podcast (they were kind enough to gift a piece of their set to the PokerNews Podcast set), Kyna joins Team Hotdog at the LIPS Spring Festival, and Chad headed up to the NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Oh, and Connor was busy at PokerGO Studio interviewing Jennifer Tilly, Mike Matusow, and comedian Ray Romano during the One Step Closer Foundation's "All in for CP" charity event. Other stories include Pennsylvania online poker joining the MSIGA merged player pool, Mori Eskandani interviewing PA Governor Josh Shapiro, and Robbie Strazynski & others voicing concern over YouTube's algorithm crackdown on poker content. Check out all those stories and more on the latest episode of the PokerNews Podcast! 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! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday 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* 00:15 | Welcome Kyna England & Mike Holtz 01:00 | Maurice Hawkins does a podcast defending himself 06:25 | Maurice wins 19th WSOP Circuit gold ring 07:29 | Denise Pratt confronts Maurice Hawkins in Tunica 09:05 | Was it backing or buying action? 12:05 | Maurice invited to appear on PokerNews Podcast 14:35 | Interview w/ Denise Pratt 25:28 | Sponsor – WPT Global 26:15 | OnlyFriends ends after 719 episodes – Mike the final guest 27:54 | Adding a part of the OnlyFriends set to the PokerNews Podcast set 28:549 | Kyna heads to LIPS Spring Festival at South Point 30:43 | Video – Highlights from the Ladies Tag Team Event 31:44 | Chad attends Round 1 of the NFL Draft in Green Bay 33:00 | Video – Highlights from the "All in for CP" charity event 35:15 | Sponsor – WSOP Free-to-Play App 35:47 | Pennsylvania finally joins MSIGA 37:07 | WSOP releases online bracelet schedule 38:12 | PokerGO scores interview with PA Governor Josh Shapiro 39:37 | Recent Tournament Winners Presented by WPT Global 41:37 | Poker content under fire from YouTube algorithm 42:19 | CardPlayer Lifestyle's Robbie Strazynski speaks out 47:37 | Mixed Game Festival XI coming to Bellagio June 8-19 48:25 | Kyna headed to MSPT in San Diego

1 Maj 49min

In the 888th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Kyna England talk about a WSOP gold bracelet while out on bail, who recently pleaded guilty to intent to commit murder against his wife. It's a sad tale, but the victim is now openly sharing her tale of survival and the horrific aftermath. The crew then talks about Maurice Hawkins, who has yet to address the $100K+ judgment against him despite racking up wins and big paydays, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the new poker room slated to open next month at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Other stories include the second-largest Bad Beat Jackpot in history being hit, recent tournament winners including Christian Harder and from the Irish Poker Open, and another edition of New Vlogs on the Block featuring JW Wilder's Parody Poker. Finally, given it's the 888th episode of the show, it only made sense to celebrate 888poker. As such, Chad sat down with 888poker Ambassador Nick Eastwood, who has established himself as one of the industry's premier content producers. 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! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday 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* 00:10 | Welcome Kyna England & Mike Holtz 00:47 | Poker player to plead guilty to attempted murder 06:45 | Maurice Hawkins still not paying on judgment against him 12:41 | Sponsor – WSOP Free-to-Play App 13:27 | Planet Hollywood opening a new poker room 15:35 | Second-Largest Bad Beat Jackpot in history! 18:03 | Sponsor: WPT Global 18:50 | Christian Harder wins two Korea Poker Cup Series events 20:40 | Robbie Toan wins Irish Open Super High Roller for €163,800 20:50 | Simon Wilson wins record-breaking Irish Open Main Event 23:04 | New Vlogs on the Block – JW Wilder's Parody Poker 26:10 | Kyna is excited for upcoming LIPS Ladies Week at South Point 29:37 | Favorite 888poker memories 31:20 | Interview with 888poker's Nick Eastwood 32:15 | How Nick Eastwood became a part of 888poker 33:00 | Prioritizing content & building a strong YouTube channel 35:30 | Working alongside other 888poker Ambassadors 42:15 | Upcoming XL Spring Series 43:17 | 888 Ride with David Tuchman 44:20 | Nick Eastwood's Las Vegas experience

24 Apr 47min

In the 887th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Kyna England discuss the fight that recently broke out inside the Aria Poker Room in Las Vegas. What could've caused "Tony" to fly off the handle like he did? The crew then debates all the discussion surrounding the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Industry Employee Event, recognizes the 14th anniversary of poker's infamous Black Friday, and Chad answers the question of whatever happened to two-time WPT and WSOP champ Hoyt Corkins (AKA the Alabama Cowboy)? Plus, Allen Kessler plays the piano, Chad shares highlights from his recent trip to the MSPT Running Aces, and the crew recap recent wins by Shannon Shorr, Matthew Wantman & Brandon Wilson at the U.S. Poker Open, as well as by Daniel Lowery in the Main Event of the RGPS Joplin. 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! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday 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* 00:10 | Welcome Kyna England & Mike Holtz 00:43 | Fight breaks out inside ARIA Poker Room 04:50 | Teddy "Iceman" Monroe 06:26 | WSOP Debate – The Industry Employees Event 13:30 | Sponsor – WSOP Free-to-Play App 14:40 | Whatever happened to Hoyt Corkins? 19:53 | 14th anniversary of Black Friday 22:33 | Allen Kessler plays the piano! 27:23 | Sponsor – WPT Global 28:17 | Shannon Shorr takes down U.S. Poker Open event 29:00 | Matthew Wantman & Brandon Wilson claim titles 30:19 | Daniel Lowery captures RGPS Main Event ring 31:25 | Highlights from Chad's trip to MSPT Running Aces

17 Apr 37min

In the 886th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, hosts Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Kyna England discuss the Florida man who was arrested for allegedly laundering $800K from illegal poker games. That led to a larger discussion on policy over such games and whether law enforcement is doing justice by cracking down. They then share results from Doug Polk's $100K 'Code Doug' Challenge, including a big hand he played against Eric Persson; highlight recent tournament winners such as Shannon Shorr, Francis Anderson, and Missy Bartleme; Jesse Lonis crushing the recently-completed PGT PLO Series; and highlights from Chad's trip to the Eastern Poker Open near Boston. Plus, get a preview of Alexandra Botez on the Life Outside Poker podcast, Kyna's thoughts on a poker player being on Netflix's Million Dollar Secret, and remembering Keith Hall & Stan Shrier, who both passed away within the past week. Finally, they ask the question: Are you excited for the WSOP? 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! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday 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* 00:15 | Welcome Kyna England & Mike Holtz 00:40 | Florida man allegedly laundered $800K from illegal poker games 09:05 | Feeling safe in home games 10:24 | Results of Doug Polk's 'Code Doug' 11:12 | Polk gets coolered early on 13:15 | Beware of Mike impersonator on Twitter/X 18:33 | Polk averages $8.80 an hour 16:37 | Recent tournament winners presented by WPT Global 16:54 | Shannon Shorr takes down WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Main Event 18:13 | Francis Anderson wins High Roller for first gold ring 18:42 | Missy Bartleme captures her second ring 19:55 | Jesse Lonis & other winners from the PGT PLO Series 21:25 | Highlights from Chad's trip to the Easter Poker Open 25:24 | Alexandra Botez on Life Outside Poker 26:50 | Poker player on Netflix's Million Dollar Secret 27:37 | Remembering Keith Hall & Stan Shrier 31:35 | Are you excited for the WSOP?

10 Apr 32min

In the 885th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Kyna England discuss the biggest pot in High Stakes Poker history, a $1.4 million monster won by Alan Keating. That led to a bigger discussion on the state of televised poker and the game's modern vs. old-school characters. The crew also discusses the report that Phil Hellmuth apparently missing out on an $80 million payday after declining to invest $15,000 into a company, the status of Doug Polk's "Code Doug" challenge, and recent tournament winners including Daniel Negreanu and Chino Rheem. Oh, they also took a look at some of the best April Fools' Day pranks from the poker world, including one from PokerNews featuring Nik Airball. Chad then offers a glimpse into his recent run in the MSPT Riverside, everyone shares their thoughts on the 2025 Wynn Summer Classic schedule, and in a new round of Collusion Mind Meld, Mike and Kyna try to get on the same page, and despite some early struggles, they do manage to hit their stride. The podcast is sponsored by the #1 free-to-play WSOP app. Remember to use bonus code "POKERNEWS" if you download and play for an extra 1,000,000 in chips! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday 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* 00:10 | Welcome Kyna England & Mike Holtz 00:16 | What's coming up in this episode? 01:13 | Biggest pot in High Stakes Poker history 04:23 | Peter is fun to watch! 10:40 | Phil Hellmuth reportedly lost out turning $15K investment into $80 million 15:00 | Update on Polk's "Code Doug" challenge 15:50 | Doug hits one outer to get in the black! 18:00 | Any good April Fools' pranks? 19:15 | PokerNews's annual April Fools' prank 19:32 | Get a pair of the Nik Airballs 20:58 | Sponsor: WSOP Free-to-Play App 21:57 | Recent Tournament Winners presented by WPT Global 22:10 | Daniel Negreanu & Chino Rheem capture PGT PLO Series titles 25:30 | Joshua McSwiney wins WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship 27:17 | Ian Steinman wins RGPS Reno for $36,220 28:50 | Remembering Mark Martin, who passed away at age 70 29:43 | Collusion Mind Meld 33:45 | Chad's trip to MSPT Riverside 39:19 | 888poker – PokerNews April Freeroll Passwords 38:48 | 2025 Wynn Summer Classic schedule out 43:50 | Nick Petrangelo defending champ

3 Apr 45min

In the 884th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Connor Richards discuss former poker player Salman Behbehani getting a six-year prison sentence for smuggling a shit ton of drugs into Ibiza. Connor and Mike then try to get on the same page in a new word association game we're dubbing 'Collusion Mind Meld' before Chad goes one-on-one with the legendary Phil Galfond to talk about his upcoming 2025 World Series Summit, the Poker Hall of Fame, and more. The crew then shares an update on Peter Eastgate's gold bracelet from the 2008 WSOP Main Event, which he sold long ago for $150,000; give you an opportunity to win a Phil Hellmuth Poker Gift Box; and celebrates Caitlin Comeskey's big SCOOP title victory! You'll also hear about other recent tournament winners, including Shawn Daniels, Yuval Bronshtein, and Angela Jordison, as well as a 15-way chop in a $300 tournament down in Jacksonville. Finally, you can check out the latest installment of "New Vlogs on the Block" featuring Miles Barnum, who is seeking to bring poker to the people starting in small town Montana. The podcast is sponsored by the #1 free-to-play WSOP app. Remember to use bonus code "POKERNEWS" if you download and play for an extra 1,000,000 in chips! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday 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* 00:29 | What's coming up on this show? 01:04 | Salman Behbehani get sentenced to six years in prison! 06:57 | New Game – 'Collusion Mind Meld' 10:58 | Phil Galfond's 2025 World Series Summit 11:37 | Sponsor: WSOP Free-to-Play App 12:05 | Interview with Phil Galfond 32:30 | Where is Peter Eastgate's 2008 WSOP Main Event bracelet? 37:20 | The time Chad bought a WSOP Circuit gold ring 38:50 | 888poker LIVE Glasgow winner 39:07 | Phil Hellmuth Poker Gift Box Giveaway 40:40 | Caitlin Comeskey wins SCOOP Event 42:27 | Caitlin's moment of victory – use code 'STARSCAITLIN' 43:27 | Norm Nusbaum shows off The Las Vegas Book 43:51 | Recent Tournament Winners Presented By WPT Global 44:00 | Shawn Daniels wins WPT Rolling Thunder 45:00 | Yuval Bronshtein, Michael Newman & Raminder Singh win SHRP titles 51:18 | 15-way chop in Jacksonville 54:05 | Angela Jordison captures second MSPT title 56:35 | New Vlogs on the Block

27 Mars 1h 3min