Michael Zhang

Michael Zhang, also known as “mczhang,” is a British professional poker player hailing from Nottingham, England. With an impressive total live earnings exceeding $5.4 million, Zhang has made a name for himself in the poker scene. Notably, he clinched victory in the partypoker Millions Europe Super High Roller event in both 2018 and 2019. Yet, Zhang’s journey in the poker world commenced humbly in 2013 on a string of £15 low buy in tournaments at Nottingham’s Dusk Till Dawn.

Michael Zhang: Early Life

Zhang’s poker journey started during his late teens, sparked by a PokerStrategy freeroll tournament, nurturing his passion for the game. However, his early enthusiasm was met with resistance as his parents, concerned about poker’s risks, temporarily banned him from playing. Upon entering university, Zhang struck a balance between live and online poker, initially favoring hyper-turbo tournaments. His poker journey evolved, encompassing live cash games and tournaments before ultimately focusing primarily on cash games. .

Throughout the years, Zhang’s dedication to poker remained unwavering. His growth as a player was supported by a circle of driven friends who shared his commitment. Zhang continued to improve his poker skills and forge a deep connection with the game.

Michael Zhang: Poker Career

In February 2017, during the 11th season of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour, Zhang achieved a major milestone by becoming the champion. He outperformed 435 other players and turned a £1,100 buy-in into an impressive $142,421 in winnings in London. This unforgettable victory marked a significant breakthrough in his poker career.

Motivated by a desire to test his skills against the poker elite, Zhang entered Super High Roller events. This decision bore fruit in February 2018 when Zhang clinched victory in Partypoker MILLIONS Germany €50,000 Super High Roller. The event boasted a competitive field of 47 entries, including Mustapha Kanit and Timothy Adams. The victory resulted in an impressive $979,875 cash prize.

In August 2019, Zhang found himself on the brink of triumph at the Main Event of the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series London £100,000 NLH event. However, his hopes were dashed when he faced off against Paul Phua in a preflop all-in showdown. Nevertheless, his impressive performance earned him a substantial prize of $867,420 for sixth place. 

Undeterred by his previous challenges, Zhang’s relentless pursuit of excellence led him to compete in another high roller event, the partypoker MILLIONS €25,500 NLH, just a week later. In a thrilling finale, Zhang emerged as the victor, overcoming a field of 42 entries and securing an impressive payday of $392,205. He yielded an additional $335,000 in earnings concluding his 2019 mainly from Partypoker MILLIONS and British Poker Open.

Michael Zhang’s Greater Feats Unveiled

In July 2022, Zhang secured victory in the Poker Dream Malaysia RM50,000 NLH Super High Roller event, topping 79 entries and winning $227,015. Shortly thereafter, Zhang ventured into another Super High Roller event, this time at the Triton Series in Cyprus. He delivered an impressive performance, finishing in fourth and earning $200,000. 

A major breakthrough came during March this year. He participated in two Super High Roller Triton Series events in Vietnam, $50K No Limit Short Deck Hold’em and the Main Event of $100,000 No Limit Short Deck Hold’em. In the first event, he secured an impressive 3rd place, earning $320,000. However, the highlight was in the second event when Zhang faced Aaron Zang in an intense heads-up showdown. As the runner-up finisher, Zhang earned a staggering $1,115,000—his best live cash to date. Ultimately, he earned $1,435,000 in total.

Michael Zhang Online Poker Journey

Zhang’s journey in online poker began in 2013 on PokerStars, partypoker, 888poker, and ACR Poker, under his alias “mczhang”. 

His online career soared when he claimed third place in the Powerfest Championship Event on Partypoker in September 2018. He pocketed a hefty $468,000—his best online earning to date. 

The following year, in September 2019, Zhang emerged victorious in a high roller event of World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) $10,300 NLHE tournament on PokerStars, amassing an impressive $352,810 in prize money. 

Cumulatively, his online poker journey has been lucrative, with earnings exceeding $4.5 million. The lion’s share, over $3.17 million, comes from his successful ventures on PokerStars.

Conclusion

Michael Zhang’s remarkable journey in the world of poker is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill. From humble beginnings in Nottingham, England, he honed his craft in both live and online poker, facing challenges and setbacks along the way. He went on to conquer high-stakes tournaments and Super High Roller events, accumulating substantial earnings and recognition within the poker community. With Zhang’s strategic brilliance and tournament mindset, expect even greater future accomplishments.