"Grinding" is a term used in the poker world that means slowly and patiently accumulating chips. Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi is no stranger to gathering a big chip stack.

Born on Jan. 5, 1981, in North Miami Beach, Florida, Mizrachi grew up aspiring to become a doctor. He began college but left to pursue poker, and his success came almost instantaneously. He has numerous World Series of Poker cashes and two World Poker Tour titles, including the 2006 Borgata Winter Poker Open championship. He topped off that year by winning the Card Player 2006 Player of the Year award. In 2007, Mizrachi won two preliminary event titles at the Wynn Classic and the Mirage Poker Showdown.

Poker is also a family venture. His twin brother, Eric, and younger brother, Robert, are also accomplished poker players. His wife, Aidily, also known as "Miss Grinder," was featured on the WPT Ladies Night.