Micky “The Worm” Wernick

Micky “The Worm” Wernick was a Polish-British professional poker player and bookmaker, born on July 2, 1944, in Warsaw. He earned over $1.072 million in live tournament winnings, with his best cash of $87,605 coming from a third-place finish at the Bellagio Cup III in July 2007. He passed away on April 18, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.

Micky “The Worm” Wernick: Early Life

Born on July 2, 1944, in Warsaw, Poland, Mickey Wernick moved to England. After finishing school at Whitmore Secondary Modern, he worked at the family business, S Wernick & Sons. He was also an avid boxer, winning the Midlands Lightweight Amateur Championship at 16. He also supported his father when he stepped down to open Wolverhampton’s first casino, The Oasis Club, located at a hotel on Queen Street.

The family also owned the Polynesian Casino on Darlington Street, opened in the late ’70s, and a betting office on Worcester Street. In the 1980s, Micky was a familiar face at Monmore Green and Cradley Heath Greyhound Stadiums, where he regularly placed bets.

Micky Wernick: Live Tournament Participation

Micky Wernick first recorded live cash occurred in April 1990 at Manx Classic in Douglas. He finished in 2nd place in a Pot Limit Hold’em/Omaha, cashing $4,695.

In December 2005, Micky played in a £750 + 35 Main Event – No Limit Hold’em during the Christmas Cracker in Luton. He finished in 1st place and won $46,948.

At the European Finals of Poker in Paris in January 2006, he earned a cash prize of $30,889. Micky joined in a €5,000 European Hall of Fame Classic – No Limit Hold’em and finished in 2nd place.

Later in November of that year, he participated in a £1,000 No Limit Hold’em at the Northern Lights in Blackpool. Micky reached the final by placing 3rd and took home $37,639.

During the Bellagio Cup III in Las Vegas in July 2007, he finished in 3rd place. Micky took part in a $1,500 + 90 No Limit Hold’em and secured his biggest live cash of $87,605.

Moreover, in September 2007, Micky entered in a £1,000 + 50 GUKPT – Leg 8 – No Limit Hold’em at the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour in Plymouth. He finished in 4th place and earned $32,466.

Most recently, in June 2018, he competed in a $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha Event #30 at the 49th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Micky placed 49th and cashed $3,675.