Mike Matusow, one of the most colorful and controversial figures in poker history, has stepped into the spotlight once again—this time in a new documentary aptly titled Matusow. The film, directed by award-winning filmmaker Frank Zarrillo, is now streaming on Amazon Prime, offering fans and critics alike an unvarnished look at the highs, lows, and jaw-dropping moments of Matusow’s tumultuous life and career.
The documentary premiered with a private screening at South Point Casino, drawing an audience of poker royalty. Poker Hall of Famers Phil Hellmuth and Mori Eskandani attended to show their support, along with media personalities like PokerNews’ Chad Holloway. But as dramatic as the red carpet scene was, the real fireworks came from the revelations in the film.
Family, Feuds, and Mike Being Mike
If you think Matusow’s antics at the poker table are dramatic, wait until you meet his family. The film dives into Matusow’s strained relationships with his brother Scott and their mother. While the love between them is undeniable, the criticisms fly thick and fast.
Scott Matusow didn’t hold back, calling out Mike’s political Twitter rants and unpaid family debts. “Mike’s tweets about liberals make him just as bad as the ‘leftists’ he complains about,” Scott quipped in the film, delivering the kind of sibling roast that could make even Hellmuth blush.
The most heart-wrenching moment, though, was the discussion about Mike allegedly choosing poker over visiting their father in hospice care. Mike defended himself, citing debilitating back pain as the reason he couldn’t make the trip.
The Pain Behind the Poker Face
Speaking of back pain, the documentary takes a hard look at the physical and emotional toll Matusow has endured over the years. His back issues, stemming from a wild car ride with none other than Dan Bilzerian (because of course), led to a spinal operation in 2014 and a painful struggle with opioid addiction.
In one particularly raw scene, viewers see Matusow writhing in agony, applying pain patches, and using machines to find relief. It’s a stark reminder that even poker’s loudest mouth has moments of quiet vulnerability.
The film also revisits Matusow’s darker days in the early 2000s, when a drug addiction landed him in an undercover sting operation and six months in jail. Yet, like a poker hand that seems unwinnable until the river, Matusow found a way to fight back. He got sober, weaned himself off painkillers, and returned to the felt, competing at the World Series of Poker with his signature fiery spirit intact.
Hall of Fame or Bust?
One of the film’s central debates is whether Matusow deserves a spot in the Poker Hall of Fame. Supporters like Phil Hellmuth argue that his four WSOP bracelets and undeniable influence on the game make him a shoo-in. “One more bracelet and it’s a lock,” Hellmuth declared, referencing Matusow’s close calls at last year’s WSOP.
But not everyone agrees. Scott Matusow and other critics suggest that Mike’s controversial behavior over the years might have alienated some voters. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Matusow has left an indelible mark on the poker world.
The Legacy of “The Mouth”
The documentary ends on a reflective note, with Matusow sharing how he wants to be remembered. His answer? As one of the pioneers of poker. It’s a fitting aspiration for a man who has spent decades making us laugh, cringe, and cheer—sometimes all at once.
Director Frank Zarrillo, who spent three years documenting Matusow’s journey, told PokerNews that the film showcases a side of Matusow the public has rarely seen. “He’s more than just ‘The Mouth,’” Zarrillo said.
With Matusow now streaming, fans can decide for themselves whether Mike is a misunderstood genius, a cautionary tale, or just poker’s ultimate showman. Either way, one thing’s for sure: life in the poker world would be a lot less entertaining without him. So grab your popcorn (or maybe some Advil for the secondhand back pain) and tune in to Matusow on Amazon Prime. It’s a wild ride—much like the man himself.