Mike McDonald

Mike McDonald is a professional poker player from Canada whose career was launched by a unique combination of mathematical thinking, passion for gaming and drive to succeed. He is an example of a poker player who showed his talents at a very young age.

Main Information

Basic Player Information:

Nickname: Timex;
Nationality: Canada;
Residence: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
Born: September 11, 1989;
Age: 35;
Last Results: April 2022: 11th place in the $25500 buy-in event at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, $78250 in prize money.

Mike McDonald Biography

Born September 11, 1989 in Waterloo, Ontario, he grew up in a family where cards were always a part of life. His parents, Rick and Patty, were accomplished bridge players and from an early age they recognized Mike’s talent for analysis and strategic thinking.

Early Years and Interest in Poker

As a teenager, Mike had already shown an interest in card games, but his transition to poker came about thanks to a meeting with famous professional Steve Paul-Embrose, a PCA winner. At the age of 16, McDonald wrote him a letter asking for permission to observe the game and learn. Ambrose agreed, which was a turning point in Mike’s life.

From this meeting he began his serious work on developing his skills. He started with $1/$2 Limit Hold’em, gradually developing an analytical approach and strategic thinking. Mike delved into game theory, studied the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents and found his style.

Waterloo is a Breeding Ground for Poker Talent

Mike attended the University of Waterloo, known for its mathematics and engineering programs. This university, as well as its graduates, has already made a name for itself in the poker arena. In Mike’s own words, there are “a lot of smart people who devote their free time to playing hard games.” The university became a great base for the development of his poker skills.

Unique Betting and Life Outside of Poker

McDonald’s fame extends far beyond the poker community. He is not only a successful player, but also an active participant in high-profile bets. One of the most memorable was a $300,000 bet with billionaire Bill Perkins: Mike performed 300 consecutive squats, proving his physical endurance and risk assessment skills.

His other legendary bet involved basketball. Mike claimed he could hit 90 out of 100 free throws. Despite the skepticism of his opponents, he spent a long time preparing for this challenge, which ensured success. These stories reflect his character – determined, thoughtful and willing to step outside his comfort zone.

Playing Style and Reputation

At the poker table, Mike McDonald stands out for his calmness, discipline and ability to avoid taking unreasonable risks. His game strategy is based on balance: he carefully weighs every decision, which has earned him the respect of his peers.

Mike is known for his reputation as an honest player who avoids conflict and always demonstrates professionalism. This approach, along with his skill, has helped him become one of the most respected players on the international scene.

Poker Career

Mike MacDonald is one of the brightest figures in the world of poker, whose career started at the age of 15 as a home hobby and gradually turned into a professional occupation. As a teenager, Mike demonstrated outstanding analytical skills and strategic thinking that made him one of the most successful players of his time.

The Beginning of a Career

Mike started his poker career by playing online on platforms such as PartyPoker and Paradise Poker under the nickname Timex. His first big win was $1000000 in a Sit & Go tournament, which was a major boost to his career. By the age of 18, he had increased his initial bankroll to $10000, which allowed him to move on to major offline tournaments.

A Breakthrough in the Offline Arena

Mike’s first major achievement came in 2007 when he finished 14th at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague for €20200. The following year he won his longest poker session at EPT Dortmund, becoming the youngest champion in the series’ history. This success earned him €933600.

Decrease in Activity

After 2020, Mike’s activity in major tournaments declined markedly. His last recorded winnings were in April 2022. Despite this, his contribution to poker history remains significant and his name is synonymous with skill and composure at the table.

Live Poker Achievements

Timex is one of the most talented poker players in the history of the game, so his live tournament stats are something to brag about:

February 2008. Winning the €933600 European Poker Tour (EPT) Main Event in Dortmund, Germany;
September 2011. Winning a $20000 buy-in tournament at the Epic Poker League, earning over $780000;
January 2014. Second place in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Main Event, prize money over $1000000;
February 2014. Third place in the A$250,000 Aussie Millions tournament, winning A$1900000;
February 2015. Second place in the A$250000 buy-in tournament at the Aussie Millions, prize money A$1,592,500;
October 2015. Winning the €25750 High Roller at EPT Malta for €498575;
April 2022. 11th place in the $25500 buy-in event at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown for $78250.

Online Poker Achievements

Mike is no stranger to online poker, in which he also has a number of accomplishments:

He started his online poker career at the age of 15 and made over $10000 in his first year;
In 2008, after winning EPT Dortmund, he continued to play actively online, increasing his bankroll;
Earned more than $1000000 in online gaming.

Top Five Career Cashes Prizes (in Table)

The biggest player earnings you can see in the table below

Place	Tournament	Winning ($)	Year
3	Aussie Millions $250,000 Challenge.	1701808	2014
2	Aussie Millions $250,000 Challenge.	1592500	2015
1	European Poker Tour (EPT) German Open Main Event	1370161	2008
2	Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge	1343250	2014
2	PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Main Event	1064865	2014

Mike McDonald Socials

McDonald doesn’t have many public socials, but you can follow his online life on Twitter, the player’s profile is @MikeMcDonald89. The player does not keep a public Instagram.