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Amit Makhija is a highly respected American professional poker player and a seasoned veteran of the international circuit. Originally from Brookfield, Wisconsin , Makhija has been a consistent force in both live and online poker for over two decades. Known for his technical proficiency and deep-stack expertise, he gained widespread acclaim for his deep runs in the WSOP Main Event and his dominance in High Roller fields. In 2026, he remains a prominent figure on the tournament trail, recently adding to his $3.2 million in career earnings with consistent cashes in Las Vegas and the online arena.
Career Earnings & Tournament Milestones
As of March 2026, Amit Makhija’s total live tournament earnings have reached $3,233,343 (according to The Hendon Mob), placing him 5th on the Wisconsin All-Time Money List. His career is defined by major scores, including a massive $563,320 runner-up finish at the 2008 WPT Legends of Poker. Makhija has proven his longevity with high-impact results in the 2020s, most notably a 57th-place finish in the 2023 WSOP Main Event for $156,100. He has maintained his momentum into 2025 and 2026, recently securing multiple cashes in the WSOP Online and Wynn Summer Classic. His estimated poker net worth, bolstered by extensive online success as “amak316,” is estimated at over $4.5 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | WPT Legends of Poker Main Event (2nd) | $563,320 |
| 2023 | WSOP $10,000 Main Event (57th) | $156,100 |
| 2010 | WSOP $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em (5th) | $179,866 |
| 2025 | WSOP $1,500 No Limit Hold’em – Freezeout (244th) | $3,022 |
Biography: The Analytical Pro from Wisconsin
Amit Makhija first rose to prominence during the “poker boom” era, transitioning from a successful student to a full-time professional. Operating under the handle “amak316,” he became one of the most feared tournament players on early online platforms, often ranked among the top players in the world. His success translated seamlessly to the live felt, where he became a regular at the Commerce Casino and the World Series of Poker. Beyond his own play, Makhija has been recognized as a thoughtful analyst of the game, occasionally contributing to poker strategy content. In 2026, he is respected as a “pro’s pro”, a player who has successfully adapted his game through multiple eras of technical evolution.
Play Style & Strategic Approach
Makhija is renowned for a “disciplined and highly analytical” style of play. He is particularly effective in short-handed and deep-stack No-Limit Hold’em, formats where his foundational understanding of equity and range construction provides a significant edge. Strategically, he is known for his mental fortitude during long tournament structures, a trait that has fueled his multiple deep runs in the WSOP Main Event. While he respects modern GTO (Game Theory Optimal) principles, Makhija often relies on his extensive experience to make exploitative adjustments against contemporary fields, making him a difficult veteran to navigate against in high-stakes environments.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow Amit’s 2026 tournament journey and high-stakes updates here:
