No-limit hold’em (NLHE) has long been called the “Cadillac of poker,” famously by the late Doyle Brunson, and for good reason. It’s the world’s most-played variant and has produced countless legendary moments. But in recent years, mixed games are making a major comeback, attracting top pros to smaller, elite fields where skill can truly shine.
The Rise of Mixed Games
Stars like Daniel Negreanu have openly embraced PLO (Pot-Limit Omaha), calling it his new favorite in recent years. Meanwhile, Phil Hellmuth is increasingly focusing on non-NLHE formats—only three of his last six WSOP bracelets came in hold’em events. With the World Series of Poker offering a variety of mixed-game tournaments, the spotlight is shifting toward players who excel outside the most popular variant.
WSOP’s Top Earners by Variant (Non-NLHE)
Here’s a snapshot of the all-time top earners in eight popular non-NLHE WSOP events:
| Variant | Player | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Limit Hold’em | David Chiu (USA) | $1,213,489 |
| Pot-Limit Hold’em | Jason Lester (USA) | $855,272 |
| Omaha | Shaun Deeb (USA) | $6,155,599 |
| Omaha Hi/Lo | Scott Clements (USA) | $1,124,751 |
| Stud | Men Nguyen (USA) | $894,850 |
| Stud Hi/Lo | George Danzer (Germany) | $691,342 |
| 2-7 Single Draw | Erik Seidel (USA) | $838,029 |
| Razz | Phil Hellmuth (USA) | $520,638 |
Names like Hellmuth, Deeb, and Seidel are no strangers to mixed-game devotees—they’ve built long, storied careers mastering the nuances of lesser-played formats.
Highlights from the Pros
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Phil Hellmuth claimed his top razz earnings from winning the 2015 WSOP $10,000 Seven Card Razz Championship ($271,105) and previously won the 2012 $2,500 Razz event ($182,793).
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Shaun Deeb had a massive PLO score last summer, taking the $100K buy-in event for $2,957,229, complementing prior seven-figure PLO wins in 2018 ($1,402,683) and 2021 ($1,251,860).
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Erik Seidel has dominated 2-7 Single Draw over decades, with a 1998 $5,000 victory for $132,750 and a 2007 $5,000 championship win for $538,835.
The $50K Poker Players Championship: Mixed-Mixed Masters
Perhaps the pinnacle of mixed games, the $50K Poker Players Championship draws elite competitors and tests mastery across multiple formats. Only a few have won it more than once:
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Michael Mizrachi – 4 wins (2010, 2012, 2018, 2025)
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Brian Rast – 3 wins (2011, 2016, 2023)
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Dan “Jungleman” Cates – 2 wins (2021, 2022)
Why Mixed Games Matter
Mixed games reward versatility, strategic depth, and endurance. While NLHE dominates the spotlight, these formats highlight the skill of players who can pivot between variants, adapt to smaller fields, and consistently outplay specialists in different disciplines.
In 2026, the era of mixed-game excellence is firmly alive, and the pros mastering PLO, Razz, 2-7 Single Draw, and other variants are proving that poker is far bigger than hold’em alone.
