UK Legends of Poker - Mickey Wernick

Since we started this feature, several of the players featured have been a little embarrassed or surprised when we referred to them as 'Legends'. However, this next man shouldn't even blink an eye at the suggestion; he has been going by that name for a while. Mickey 'The Legend' Wernick is one of the true grafters in UK poker and his story is one worthy of his nickname.

A former boxer and bookmaker from the midlands, Mickey formed a poker club with his father in 1970. He was a regular traveler to the World Series of Poker in the 1980s, and once went on to a 2nd place finish in the 1986 Omaha event. He has cashed 7 more times, in a variety of disciplines, most recently in the $1000 senior's event last year.

Mickey appeared on Sky Poker recently and told the most amazing story of triumph over adversity. In 2005 he was almost broke when playing in a £25 rebuy at his local casino. He managed to turn this into a win and took the winnings on one of the greatest runs seen on the UK circuit. He made three final tables at the Midlands Medley in Walsall, two finals in the Springfest in Luton, won an event in the Blackpool Bonanza, cashed three times in the WSOP, made three finals in the European Championships in London and a about five more finals after that, including winning the Christmas Cracker in Luton.

This feat not only won him more than £140,000 in 2005 (from a £25 original investment) but it also secured him the 2005 European player of the year award. This also landed him a sponsorship deal with Blue Square Poker, one which has gone on to help him continue to dominate the game. He is still a regular winner on the UK circuit and to date has $854,832 in tournament winnings alone.

Mickey is regarded by many as the greatest short stack player in the world, where most would give up he has a determination that sees him come back time and time again from the unlikeliest of disadvantages. It is for this never say die attitude that the Legend is a UK Legend of Poker.

Ed Note:Be a legend in your own right at Poker770

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