Brian Zembic biography
Brian Zembic, born in 1961 in Winnipeg, Canada, is one of gambling's most notorious proposition bettors, earning the nickname "the Wiz" among the high-stakes poker and gambling communities of Los Angeles. Before turning to full-time gambling, Zembic trained and worked as a professional magician, a background that shaped his reputation for showmanship and nerve at the poker table and beyond.
He became a fixture of legend in 1996 and 1997 when he accepted a proposition bet from fellow gambler "Jobo" for a reported $100,000, wagering that he would have breast implants surgically inserted and wear them continuously for one full year. Zembic underwent the surgery, received 38C silicone implants placed beneath his chest muscles, and won the bet outright, later turning down Jobo's offer of an additional $50,000 to have them removed, choosing instead to keep them permanently.
The story became one of the most widely repeated legends in gambling culture, referenced in books, documentaries, and interviews about the extremes of high-stakes prop betting. Beyond that single bet, Zembic built decades of credibility in Los Angeles cash games and competed in the 2005 World Series of Blackjack. He has made television appearances including on "The Man Show" and the E! series "Botched," where the long-term implants were discussed. Zembic has a daughter, Mika, born in 2000.
He remains an active and respected figure in West Coast high-stakes gambling circles.
Career summary
A Winnipeg-born magician turned Los Angeles high-stakes gambler famous for winning a $100,000 prop bet by living with breast implants for a year.
Brian Zembic poker winnings
N/A - Primarily known for cash games and proposition bets rather than tracked tournament cashes
Brian Zembic playing style
An audacious, fearless gambler willing to stake reputation and body on extreme proposition bets, reflecting a broader career built on nerve as much as card skill.
Cash games
Longtime fixture of high-stakes Los Angeles cash game circles, where he built his reputation as one of gambling's most fearless prop bettors
Business & sponsorships
Trained and performed as a professional magician before turning to full-time gambling and prop betting
Why Brian matters
Known among peers for a willingness to accept almost any wager regardless of personal cost, cementing his reputation as one of poker's most colorful characters
FAQ about Brian Zembic
What is Brian Zembic most famous for in the gambling world?
He is most famous for winning a reported $100,000 proposition bet in 1996-1997 by having breast implants surgically inserted and wearing them for a full year, then choosing to keep them permanently.
Did Brian Zembic have a career before gambling?
Yes, he trained and worked as a professional magician before becoming a full-time high-stakes gambler and prop bettor in Los Angeles.
How many WSOP bracelets does Brian Zembic have?
Brian Zembic has not won a WSOP bracelet yet.