Additional reporting from Mike Patrick.
When Ari Engel made the money in the ongoing $1,000 PLO event at the 2025 World Series of Poker, he tied ‘Miami’ John Cernuto at the top of The Hendon Mob’s all-time cashes list.
Both players now have an incredible 597 recorded cashes. For Engel, that run stretches back over 19 years, to his first result: a 40th-place finish in the 2006 WPT Foxwoods Poker Classic for $12,525.
Since then, Engel has won the most WSOP Circuit rings (19, tied with Maurice Hawkins) and four WSOP bracelets. While he’s best known for his mixed game prowess, his biggest cash came in no-limit hold’em when he won the 2016 Aussie Millions Main Event for $1,120,110. He’s also a member of the PokerOrg Player Advisory Board.
We spoke with Ari shortly after he tied the record.
Ari Engel playing in the $1,500 HORSE event at the 2025 WSOP.'I don't have a home, I just travel and play poker'
This is a very cool accomplishment. How do you feel about tying the record?
I’ve played with Miami John so many times over the years, and I have a lot of respect for him and, of course, rest in peace. That’s mainly what I’m thinking about, to be honest, of all the times we played together. I was always looking up to see his name above mine at the top of the list. He did interviews saying he thought I would be the one that eventually passed him, and we spoke about it. He said he hoped he’d be alive for it, so it’s sad to think he’s not here with us anymore.
How far do you think you can extend this record?
I was joking about this, but it’s true... I’ve for sure busted more tournaments than anyone else too. I play way more than other people. I don’t have a home; I just travel and play poker. As long as that continues, just math-wise, I’ll keep cracking off a bunch of numbers.
I don’t know how long that will continue for. I’ve been doing this full-time for a while now, and I don’t have plans to change it, but who knows? The games are getting tougher, and it’s nice to still be able to somewhat hold my own. It’s always hard to predict the future.
You’re tied for most Circuit rings and you’ve won four bracelets. Where does this rank in your career achievements?
This is not as high on the list. My biggest accomplishment in my mind is just being a winning pro for 20 years and standing the test of time. This is a cool little milestone, and I’m happy to celebrate it. Most of the time you’re losing tournaments, so you’ve got to look for any silver lining you can.
You can follow Ari Engel's progress through the rest of the WSOP in our live blog.
