Kai Cocklin is a poker journalist and live reporting manager who has worked with PokerNews at major festivals including the World Series of Poker and the European Poker Tour. He has managed multiple live reporting teams at the World Series of Poker and trained individual reporters to develop their skills. He now oversees Somuchpoker’s editorial and live coverage, ensuring consistent quality and engaging content across the Asian poker scene.

Updated: 2025.12.17

Michael Wang is an American professional poker player and a three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner, highly regarded as one of the most prolific and consistent players on the international high-stakes circuit. He is currently ranked 36th on the Global Poker Index (GPI).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With close to $10,000,000 in total live earnings, according to The Hendon Mob, Michael Wang is ranked 92nd on the United States All-Time Money List. His total online earnings exceed $1,675,285.

He is a three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner:

$1,394,579 – His career-best live cash for 1st place in the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship at the 2025 WSOP.
$541,604 – 1st place in the $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed at the 2022 WSOP.
$466,120 – 1st place in the $5,000 No Limit Hold’em at the 2015 WSOP.

Wang also holds one World Poker Tour (WPT) title. His consistent high-stakes results, including numerous final tables on the PokerGO Tour (PGT) and Triton Poker, cement his elite status and significantly contribute to his poker net worth.

Biography & Poker Background

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Michael Wang currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. He began his professional poker career in the 2010s. He is known for living a “nomad life”, traveling extensively across four continents to compete in major international series, including the European Poker Tour (EPT), Asian Poker Tour (APT), Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Jeju, and the WPT.

Play Style & Strategy

Wang is known for his versatility, mastering both Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) and No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE), as evidenced by his three bracelets across both variants. His strategy is deeply rooted in confidence and resilience, believing he “always has a shot in tournaments”.

His victory in the 2025 WSOP PLO Championship featured one of the greatest comebacks in WSOP history, where he recovered from a stack of less than one big blind to win the bracelet. He excels at the highest stakes, often playing in PGT and Triton events, and his high volume of cashes highlights his disciplined bankroll management and game development.

Recent Attendances