Michael Mizrachi is probably the most watched poker pro this year. His exploits both inside and outside the poker industry has gained the attention of many people. The biggest factor to all this recent popularity, perhaps, is the fact that he was able to make it into the “November Niners” of the WSOP Main Event. However, more recent reasons for his popularity – or should I say notoriety – is a new law suit filed against him by Deliverance Poker. Apparently, Mizrachi is guilty of breaching a contract that he signed with the said poker room before the WSOP started.

Changing Loyalties

Mizrachi has had one hell of a year indeed, and it’s barely just past its halfway point. Earlier this year, he had his property seized by the IRS after failing to pay his taxes during 2005 to 2007. Then, he made it into the final table of the most prestigious WSOP Main Event. Now, he’s facing a lawsuit from the poker room Deliverance because he allegedly breached a contract with them. The lawsuit was filed last September 7 in the state of Texas. Mizrachi signed with the said poker site, which is still relatively new, and got $150,000 plus a 1.75% stake in the company, as well as ‘advanced expenses’ for any poker tournaments that Mizrachi would participate in.

Indeed, there is staggering proof that this allegation is correct because Mizrachi was spotted several times sporting the logo and name of Deliverance Poker in his apparel. He wore it all throughout the WSOP, even as he hurtled towards the Main Event Final Table. However, during the “Big Dance”, Mizrachi allegedly switched to Full Tilt gear. He even wore the Full Tilt logo on his clothes as he gave out interviews and appeared on TV.

The Lawsuit

Of course, Deliverance Poker was deeply angered and insulted by Mizrachi’s actions, thus creating the lawsuit against the said poker pro. The lawsuit is a pretty serious one. The contract said that Mizrachi was to exclusively promote Deliverance Poker and wearing Full Tilt Gear violates this provision. They even counted Full Tilt, or rather, Tiltware, as conspirators, saying that both defendants had knowledge of the existing contract with Deliverance and still went on to forge a new one despite it.

The whole thing looks like it could get pretty sticky for Mizrachi, so he better wizen up and win the Main Event so that he can take this Lawsuit head on and not go bankrupt over it.