Mike Watson is a renowned Canadian poker professional known for his consistent success in high-stakes tournaments worldwide. With career earnings exceeding $30.5 million, Watson has cemented his place among the top Canadian poker players. From his early passion for math and strategy games to winning prestigious titles like the EPT, WSOP, Triton, and WPT, his journey is one of dedication and skill.
Mike Watson’s Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Mike Watson was born in 1984 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Raised in an academically inclined household, with both parents as university professors, Watson’s upbringing emphasized education. He developed a passion for strategic games like chess and Magic: The Gathering and frequently participated in math contests.
His love for mathematics led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in the subject. During his college years, Watson was introduced to poker by friends and quickly found a natural talent for the game, which he attributes to both his upbringing and analytical mindset.
Mike Watson’s Poker Career Highlights and Winnings
Mike Watson’s first recorded live poker cash came in 2006 when he finished 6th in the Bellagio Cup II $1,000 NLH, earning $7,060. The following year, he cashed in five WSOP 2007 events, including a 10th-place finish in the $1,500 PLO High-Low 8 or Better for $9,049. His breakthrough victory came in 2008 when he won the Bellagio Cup IV $15,000 NLH WPT Main Event, securing a massive $1,673,770 payday.
In 2010, Watson claimed his first Aussie Millions title by winning the A$1,150 NLH event for $119,911. Two years later, he narrowly missed out on a WSOP bracelet, finishing 2nd in the €3,200 NLH Shootout at the 2012 WSOP Europe for $150,319. However, he made up for it by winning the non-bracelet €50,000 Majestic High Roller for $1.3 million.
Watson continued his strong performances, making multiple deep runs in WSOP events and scoring another major win in 2016 by taking down the PCA $5,300 NLH Main Event for $728,325—his first EPT trophy after years of close calls.
His first Triton Poker cash came in 2017, when he finished 2nd in the Triton Macau HK$240,000 6-Max Side Event for $290,000. In 2020, as poker shifted online, Watson adapted quickly, winning Event #4 of the PGT Poker Masters Online for $249,900.
When live poker returned in 2022, Watson continued his dominance, finishing 2nd in the WSOP $2,000 NLH event for $326,296 and winning the EPT Barcelona €50,000 NLH for $895,933.
In 2023, he secured two major titles, winning his first Triton Poker event in Vietnam for $695,000 and clinching the €5,300 EPT Monte Carlo Main Event for $825,731.
Watson finally captured his first WSOP gold bracelet in 2024, winning the WSOP Online $1,000 NLH 6-Max Championship for $138,327. He also finished 3rd in the Triton Jeju $150,000 NLH for a career-best $1,895,000. His year ended on a high note with a victory in the EPT Barcelona €10,000 High Roller, earning $660,185.
His recent poker cashes in 2025 include a runner-up finish in the Triton Jeju $30,000 NLH Ante Only event for $353,000.
Mike Watson’s Net Worth in 2025
While the official reports on Watson’s net worth are not available, his total live poker earnings exceed $30.5 million. This places him among the top five richest Canadian poker players. With multiple seven-figure scores and continued success in live and online tournaments, his net worth is estimated to be in the seven-figure range.
Mike Watson’s Personal Life
Mike Watson married his longtime girlfriend, Sarah, in 2020. The couple has a child and resides in Toronto, Canada. Watson often travels with his family while competing in major poker tournaments worldwide.
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