WSOP History Repeats: Mizrachi's Straus-Like Surge
Published on July 15th, 2025 4:01 pm ESTJack Straus sat at the 1982 World Series of Poker Main Event, staring at what he thought was the end.
He had pushed all-in and lost. His chips were gone. Or so he thought.
Then came the twist.
A single $500 chip remained under a napkin. Because he hadn't verbally declared all-in, the chip was still live. Tournament staff confirmed he could stay in.
From that one chip, Jack Straus launched one of the greatest comebacks in poker history.
He rebuilt his stack. Hand by hand. Day by day.
He fought through the field. And then he won it all.
The title. The bracelet. The moment that defined his career - and poker folklore.
"A chip and a chair." That phrase exists because of Jack Straus. It's the ultimate symbol of never giving up at the table.
Fast forward to 2025.
Michael Mizrachi found himself on the brink. Just 1.5 million chips remained in front of him on Day 8 of the Main Event. That's around three big blinds. Elimination seemed inevitable.
Then came the surge.
He doubled. Then doubled again. And again.
Within a few hours, Mizrachi transformed a near-exit into a chip stack north of 38 million. And when the dust settled? He bagged 93 million chips. Second place heading into the Final Table.
It's not quite one chip and a chair. But it's the same spirit.
Mizrachi's run echoes Straus in all the right ways. Grit. Composure. Refusal to quit. And now? A chance to etch his name in poker history - again.
If Mizrachi closes this out, his comeback will stand beside Straus' as one of the greatest in Main Event lore. Different eras. Same heart.
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Filed Under: The World Series of Poker
