Michael ‘The Grinder' Mizrachi has captured top prize of $1,173,373 to win the 2006 Borgata Winter Open Main Event. Mizrachi, a 25-year-old professional from Florida, saw off a field of 381 competitors to win the coveted title. His path wasn't easy though as young superstars John D'Agostino and Erick Lindgren, who finished 2 nd and 3 rd respectively, also made it to the final day.
Although Mizrachi headed into the final with in excess of 2 million in chips, it was D'Agostino who was virtually single-handedly eliminating the opposition. The youngster took out both Josh Spiegelman and Amnon Filippi, before forcing out major threat Lindgren into 3rd position. However, D'Agostino couldn't quite make it all the way, eventually hitting the runner-up spot when his all-in move with a gutshot straight draw was called by Mizrachi's two pair.
This isn't The Grinder's first WPT success, however, as he also picked up over 1.8 million in 2005 on a final table which included Ted Forest and the ever present Lindgren. In fact, Mizrachi is certainly not living up to his nickname, encountering a number of big wins throughout 2005, including a record 7 money finishes. At this moment in time, it appears as though 2006 will be no different.