Mike Wattel is a highly respected poker veteran from the United States who has been a top competitor in the game for over thirty years. Originally from the Chicago area and now living in Phoenix, Arizona, he is widely considered one of the most talented mixed game players in the world. While many modern stars only play one type of poker, Wattel is a master of every variation, from Seven Card Stud to Lowball. Known for his quiet focus and his ability to outlast the toughest competition in Las Vegas, he has become a true legend of the World Series circuit.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Mike Wattel has total live earnings of over $3.4 million. He is a two-time gold bracelet winner at the WSOP. His first title came in 1999 when he won the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo event for $134,800. He famously added a second bracelet in 2017 by winning the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship, where he earned $245,451 after an intense final table.

Wattel has also seen massive success in other major series. His biggest single live score came from the 2007 WPT Five-Star World Poker Classic, where he finished 22nd in the Championship event for $309,405. He is also a frequent finalist in the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship, including a 7th place finish in 2013 for $251,602. His consistency has remained incredible into 2024 and 2025, recently securing a deep run in the 2024 WSOP Main Event for $27,500.

Mike Wattel poker — Mike Wattel (credit: PokerNews photographer Regina Cortina)

Biography & Poker Background

Born in 1970, Mike Wattel started playing poker seriously in the early 1990s, long before the game became a television sensation. He moved to Arizona and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the local card rooms. Unlike the younger “internet generation,” Mike built his bankroll by playing live cash games and studying the psychology of his opponents in person. He is known for being a very private and humble professional who treats poker like a job rather than a lifestyle. Even after three decades at the top of the game, he remains a regular in the biggest tournaments in Las Vegas, proving that his skills are truly timeless.

Play Style & Strategy

Wattel is famous for a patient and highly technical style of play. Because he specializes in “limit” and “mixed” games, his strategy is built on solid fundamentals and precision. He rarely makes big emotional mistakes and is known for being one of the hardest players to bluff in a high stakes environment. While he can play aggressively when needed, his true strength is his mental stamina and his ability to read hands in complex games like H.O.R.S.E. and 2-7 Triple Draw. Other professionals often praise him for his calm demeanor, as he stays completely focused whether he is winning a massive pot or facing a tough loss.

Social Media & Online Presence

Want to keep up with Mike Wattel as he continues to compete for more gold bracelets in 2026? You can follow his career and see his latest results through these official links:

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

Biography & Poker Background

Play Style & Strategy

Social Media & Online Presence

Video Highlights:

Event	Entries	Buy-In	Prize	Place	SPI
WSOP 2026 Las Vegas $10,000 Big O Championship 2026.06.13	456 ITM: 69	$10,000	$20,088	51	628.82
WSOP 2026 Las Vegas $1,500 HORSE 2026.06.10	780 ITM: 117	$1,500	$42,455	5	1,372.69

Full Mike Wattel Poker History: Earnings, Cashes & Rankings