Michael Mizrachi was eliminated from the Players Championship

Michael Mizrachi knocked out of the Players Championship

Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi failed to defend his $50,000 Poker Players Championship title. The American regular busted at the end of Day 1, finishing in 69th place.

Mizrachi was left with roughly 20,000 chips after losing a hand against Chino Rheem. Later he clashed in a razz hand with five-time WSOP champion Brad Ruben and went all-in on fifth street. On seventh street Ruben caught a king, while Mizrachi caught a queen, and The Grinder headed to the rail.

Of the 87 players who started the tournament, 66 remain. Matt Glantz will begin Day 2 as the chip leader, followed by Chino Rheem and Benny Glaser. Also returning to the tables are Jason Mercier, Josh Arieh, Chance Kornuth, Yuri Dzivielevski, Daniel Negreanu, Nick Schulman, and Russia's Alexander Kostritsyn.

In 2025 Michael Mizrachi won both the Poker Players Championship and the WSOP Main Event, after which he was immediately inducted into the Hall of Fame. This year The Grinder has reached the money four times at the World Series. His best result so far is sixth place in the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship.