Watch "Matusow": A Story of Falls, Fame, and Redemption

Poker Icon or Problem Player?
 

Mike Matusow, famously known as “The Mouth”, is one of the most iconic and controversial figures in poker history. Born on April 30, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, he started in poker as a dealer in the early 1990s before becoming a full-time professional. Over his career, he has earned over $10 million in live tournament winnings, reached the final table of 27 WSOP events, and famously finished 9th in the 2005 WSOP Main Event, taking home $1,000,000.

His trophy cabinet includes four WSOP bracelets, won in the following events:

• 1999 – $3,500 No Limit Hold’em – $265,475

• 2002 – $5,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split 8 or Better – $148,520

• 2008 – $5,000 No Limit 2–7 Draw w/ Rebuys – $537,862

• 2013 – $5,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Split – $266,503
   

Beyond his success, Matusow is known for his explosive personality and blunt table talk — earning him the nickname “The Mouth”. His turbulent life story is now the subject of a two-hour documentary, directed by Frank Zarrillo, and available for free on YouTube:

Inside the World of Mike Matusow
 

The film follows Matusow’s rise to poker stardom, his addiction battles, family tensions, and relentless passion for the game. It features appearances from poker legends like Phil Hellmuth, who praised the documentary, saying: “I really liked it! After years of drugs and sports betting, Mike is trying to rebuild his life from the ground up.”

Matusow doesn't shy away from heavy topics. Viewers get a raw glimpse into Mike’s struggles with his family — including his brother Scott and their mother, who both express disappointment in his choices and absence during key life moments. The documentary also delves into his chronic back pain, reportedly linked to an incident involving Dan Bilzerian, which led to his addiction on painkillers.

One of the film’s key questions is whether Matusow deserves a place in the Poker Hall of Fame. While some (like Hellmuth) believe his contributions to the game are undeniable, others highlight his erratic behavior as a barrier. The camera captures an emotional moment where Mike nearly wins a fifth WSOP bracelet, a feat many think would seal his Hall of Fame fate. If you're looking for a gritty, emotional, and real poker story, Matusow delivers. It’s an intense portrait of one of poker’s most fascinating characters — full of flaws, fight, and fire.

Sources: YouTube, PokerNews, 2+2 Forum