Understanding Mike "the Mouth" Matusow

This series of poker profiles attempts to go inside the minds of the professionals. In all of pro poker, there is undoubtedly no mind quite like that of Mike "the Mouth" Matusow. He is a complex man who seems driven by emotions, yet hampered by emotions. Mike is a difficult person to predict and understand. Coming from a tough childhood, Matusow started his poker experience on the "other" side of the table: dealing. As a dealer in Vegas casinos, Mike attempted to study players and learn the game as he worked his shifts.

Eventually, he flipped to the playing side of the game to hone his skills. It is reported that Mike gathered a nice financial windfall in 1998 when he provided financial backing to eventual champion Scotty Nguyen. Matusow's cut of the prize money probably should've gone toward playing experience. Unfortunately, Las Vegas's ability to live up to the moniker of "Sin City" proved to be too much. Sidelined by drugs, alcohol, wild parties, women, and reckless poker play, Mike Matusow's bankroll had more up and down swings than a carnival ride. An avid gambler, Vegas insiders say that Mike could win thousands at poker only to lose double that amount in side bets and proposition bets. Without the help and support of his friends in the poker world, Mike may very well be dead or in prison now.

In 2004, Mike did indeed serve 6 months in Clark County jail (Las Vegas) in 2004. Mike accepted a plea bargain after purchasing cocaine from an undercover police officer. Since his release, Matusow has vowed to rededicate himself to poker and to a better, cleaner life. He battles to remain sober each day in the tempting world of Las Vegas and the tournament trail. His prison sentence began just after the 2004 WSOP aired on ESPN. Perhaps the pressures of addiction and possible prison time helped to fuel his now-infamous tirades with a calmed Greg Raymer.

Mike is a fragile bully. Although he attempts to intimidate others, it is clear that he is a sensitive soul. Bad beats enrage him, or send tears streaming from his eyes. He is argumentative with dealers, players, and floor managers, even though he must know that arguing will not get him his way. A mini-tirade at the 2005 WSOP main event over the "F" word caused him to get sidelined for 40 minutes, showing that a temper still exists despite his efforts in self-control. Considered immature and boorish to casual observers, those "in the know" around the poker world do indeed like Matusow. You see, nearly everyone sees the sweet, fragile guy that is just beneath the coarse & rough exterior. Those who understand him want to help him, not avoid him. At his heart, he is a great guy who could be great for poker. Let's all hope that greatness can be tapped.

Mike Matusow: Play Profile & Prediction

PLAY PROFILE: Mike is a highly regarded Omaha player. While he proved his ability by securing a WSOP bracelet in NL Hold 'Em and the 8th place in the NL main event in '05, Mike has 2 WSOP Bracelets in Omaha HiLo and innumerable big cashes in this variant via cash games and tournaments. He plays instinctually and fearlessly. He will attack any player he considers weak or insecure. It seems that he has very accurate reads. Likewise, his well-known mouthiness is often effective at throwing others off of their game. There is no doubt that Mike has baited many shaky players into calling his timely raise with his crassness.

Mike's weaknesses are well documented. He can be tormented, emotionally. Bad beats and being outplayed can cripple Mike. He is so intent on winning that he allows his emotions to cloud his judgment. He jokes aloud that his propensity to explode with anger and tilt should be called a "Matusow Meltdown." There is no way of telling how many millions of dollars the psychological meltdowns have cost him over the past decades.

PREDICTIONS: If Mike is able to stay sober and focused, he may arise to become one of the top 5 players in the world. His amazing run at the 2005 WSOP main event only solidifies the notion of his poker strength. In an enormous field where everyone expected all amateurs to survive to the final table, Mike crushed much of the competition. When his pocket Kings ran into pocket Aces to oust him in 9th place, everyone held their breath anticipating a Matusow blow-up. It did not happen. Perhaps a testament to his new outlook on life, Mike was able to compose himself well despite the terrible circumstances.

Unless he cleans up his image considerably, he won't likely enjoy the financial windfall of endorsement dollars that the likes of Negreanu and Hellmuth enjoy. He is sponsored by Full Tilt Poker based on his amazing poker ability. Full tilt has marketed Mike a bit more since his impressive showing at the WSOP in 2005, but marketers still approach him with caution. If his good play continues and he stays away from trouble, he may get a few more deals in the future.

As with all addictions, Mike faces battles away from the table that are greater than at the table. While he has the innate ability to be a top 5 guy, he has a lot to prove to himself and his loved ones before he can get there. If he finds the support to keep his life on a positive track, we can expect more sightings of Mike at final tables everywhere. If he cannot ward off the internal demons, he may be remembered like Stu Unger: great talent wasted.

More Poker Player Profiles

♣ Andy Bloch ♣ Annie Duke ♣ Antonio Esfandiari ♣ Chris Ferguson ♣ Dan Harrington ♣ Daniel Negreanu ♣ Doyle Brunson ♣ Greg Raymer ♣ Gus Hansen ♣ Howard Lederer ♣ James Woods

♣ Jennifer Harman ♣ Johnny Chan ♣ Mark Seif ♣ Mike Matusow ♣ Phil Gordon ♣ Phil Hellmuth ♣ Phil Ivey ♣ Phil Laak ♣ Poker Hotties ♣ Sam Farha ♣ TJ Cloutier

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