Family Feuds & Drug Addiction on Display in Mike Matusow Documentary

A number of poker legends and mates gathered at South Level on Sunday for the premiere of Matusow, a documentary exploring the highs and lows of one of the vital polarizing figures within the sport, Mike Matusow.

Award-winning filmmaker Frank Zarrillo started following the four-time World Collection of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner round for the reason that 2021 WSOP. Over that point, he interviewed numerous poker gamers and media members, together with PokerNews’ Chad Holloway, one among three of our staff members in attendance on the screening.

Others on the non-public screening included Poker Corridor of Famers Phil Hellmuth and Mori Eskandani, however one particular person who did not make it however had a lot to say within the movie is Scott Matusow, “The Mouth’s” brother. It was evident within the documentary that there is some animosity between the siblings, or not less than was three years in the past.

Zarrillo’s movie showcases a special facet of Matusow the general public hasn’t seen, but in addition the “Mike the Mouth” character poker followers have witnessed on TV for many years. Throughout the two-hour movie, discussions about drug dependancy, the Poker Corridor of Fame, Matusow’s well being points, and ongoing household feuds have been mentioned.

Matusow’s Household Crucial of Poker Legend

It was evident from the film that Matusow’s household would not hate him, and there is love deep down. However each Scott Matusow and their mom made it clear many issues Mike has completed in his life have not been appreciated.

Scott Matusow introduced up Mike’s political tweets which are typically vital of Liberals, claiming Mike acts in the identical method because the “leftists” he bashes. Nevertheless it wasn’t simply the political commentary on social media that upset his household. Beforehand unpaid money owed Mike owed his dad and mom was additionally a heated subject of debate.

Matusow’s brother and mom have been additionally vital of Mike apparently taking part in poker as a substitute of visiting his now late father in hospice care. However Mike defended himself by mentioning that again ache made it troublesome for him to get away from bed.

Overcoming Ache and Habit

The documentary defined the origins of Matusow’s again ache, which stemmed from an incident driving with Dan Bilzerian in Las Vegas. After experiencing tense again ache and spasms, Matusow underwent a spinal operation in 2014 and subsequently turned depending on painkillers.

The movie included emotional scenes of Matusow mendacity in ache, taping on ache aid patches and plugging into machines as he fought towards persistent again ache.

The movie additionally explored Matusow’s earlier drug dependancy within the 2000s, together with an undercover sting operation that noticed Matusow spending six months within the Clark County Detention Heart. Nevertheless it additionally confirmed Matusow getting sober and truly fizzling out of painkillers as he competes in poker occasions just like the World Collection of Poker.

Mike Matusow Busts the 2022 Essential Occasion

Corridor of Fame Sure?

The documentary touched on the extended dialogue of whether or not Matusow deserves to be within the Poker Corridor of Fame. Whereas some together with Hellmuth strongly assist Matusow being inducted, others like his brother say that his habits has alienated him from Corridor of Fame voters.

Nonetheless, a number of gamers interviewed within the movie stated they believed Matusow could be inducted into the Poker Corridor of Fame or deserved to be, together with 2023 inductee Brian Rast.

Hellmuth argued {that a} fifth bracelet would make Matusow a Corridor of Fame lock. He got here shut final summer time when he completed runner-up in $1,500 Seven Card Stud Hello-Lo 8 or Higher and fifth within the $25,000 Excessive Curler H.O.R.S.E.

The documentary ended by asking Matusow how he needed to be remembered. He stated he needed to be remembered as one of many pioneers of poker.

Director Frank Zarrillo instructed PokerNews that poker followers can count on the documentary to be launched to the general public within the coming months.