Michael Gathy biography
Michael Gathy is a Belgian professional who left medical school to focus on poker after doing well in online mixed cash games. He won the 2011 PokerStars Belgian Poker Series Grand Final in Namur for €175,000.
At the 2012 World Series of Poker he won a $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em event with 2,799 entries for $440,829, becoming the second Belgian bracelet winner after Davidi Kitai. In 2013 he won the $1,000 Turbo No-Limit Hold'em, the first turbo bracelet event in WSOP history, for $278,613, and in 2016 the $5,000 Six-Handed No-Limit Hold'em for $560,843, his largest win; he also finished 2nd twice that summer. His fourth bracelet came in The Closer at the 2020 WSOP Online, a field of 4,012, for $272,504.
Gathy has also won several SCOOP and WCOOP titles on PokerStars and has more than $2.1 million in WSOP earnings.
Career summary
Belgium's Michael Gathy has four WSOP bracelets, all in no-limit hold'em, including the first turbo event in WSOP history.
Michael Gathy poker winnings
| Year | Event | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | WSOP Online $500 The Closer (online) | 1st | $272,504 |
| 2016 | WSOP $5,000 Six-Handed No-Limit Hold'em | 1st | $560,843 |
| 2013 | WSOP $1,000 Turbo No-Limit Hold'em | 1st | $278,613 |
| 2012 | WSOP $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em | 1st | $440,829 |
| 2011 | Belgian Poker Series Grand Final Namur | 1st | €175,000 |
Verified live tournament earnings: $2,500,000+, plus 4 WSOP bracelets.
Michael Gathy playing style
Gathy is a sharp, fast-playing no-limit specialist who thrives in big-field and turbo formats.
Business & sponsorships
Professional poker player; left medical school to play poker.
Why Michael matters
Michael Gathy left medical school for poker and became Belgium's most decorated WSOP player, with four no-limit hold'em bracelets.
FAQ about Michael Gathy
How many WSOP bracelets does Michael Gathy have?
Four: in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2020.
What did Michael Gathy do before poker?
He studied medicine before leaving to play poker full time.
How much has Michael Gathy won playing poker?
Michael Gathy has won $2,500,000+ in live tournament earnings.
