In a game often dominated by high-volume pros and full-time players, Michelle Ceglarek has quietly built an impressive résumé on the Florida circuit—without ever going full-time.

Known on the felt as “Michellay,” this Miami-based finance professional balances a full-time career, a busy family life, and a side hustle at the poker table. She doesn’t log hundreds of hours a year—but when she plays, she makes it count.

“Finding time to play is still my greatest conflict,” Michelle says. “My hours are limited—but I make the most of every opportunity.”

Beyond the Stats: A Deeper Foundation

Michelle Ceglarek’s Hendon Mob profile only tells part of her story. Early in her poker journey, she gained experience through less visible avenues—long before her name appeared in public tournament results. In 2005, she was even backed for competitive play, sharpening her skills in settings that emphasized discipline, intuition, and strategy.

After stepping away from the game to focus on family and career, she returned with renewed passion—and since 2019, she’s been a consistent force on the Florida circuit. From deep runs at Seminole Hard Rock events to a 7th-place finish in a WSOP Circuit Ladies Event and a recent 1st-place finish in a Deep Stack Bounty tournament, Michelle has built a résumé defined by precision and consistency—not volume.

A High Roller Moment

Now, Michelle is bringing that quiet momentum to the national stage: the $2,500 Women in Poker High Roller at the Venetian. With only seven players making the final table—which will be live streamed—this historic event was created to spotlight the highest-performing women in the game.

Michelle will be one of them.

From Family Games to Florida Final Tables

Women in poker represent every background, every age, every stage of life—and Michelle’s path proves you don’t need to follow anyone else’s playbook to succeed. She’s not chasing volume. She’s playing her game.

“My poker roots run deep,” she shares. “I was introduced to the game at a young age by my brother and grandmother, who made poker a fun and bonding family activity.”

Later, as a single mom, Michelle put that passion to work—covering daycare expenses with her winnings from Sit & Gos and 7 Card Stud games. Today, her game has evolved, but the drive remains the same: purpose, focus, and a true love of competition.

Advice That Goes Beyond the Felt

Michelle’s advice to other women at the table isn’t about bravado—it’s about staying grounded.

“Be yourself. You don’t need to act tough or fit anyone else’s mold to belong at the table. Don’t let anyone intimidate or bully you—your confidence, instincts, and presence are enough. Play your game, your way.”

That kind of confidence doesn’t come from luck—it comes from experience, both at the table and beyond it.

“My biggest fans are my family and the friends who feel like family,” she says. “My husband—while more on the conservative side—has always supported my goals and dreams, even when they involve chasing pots and paydays. And my daughter? She definitely loves the paydays!”

Pool Cues and Paydays

More than just a shark at the poker table, Michelle also competes on the pool table—playing doubles and team events through her local league. Whether it’s eight-ball or Texas Hold’em, she brings the same disciplined eye and competitive energy to every match.

Outside of games, Michelle is a thriving finance professional who loves to travel, balances spreadsheets by day, and chip stacks by night.

Michelle’s Playbook for Women in Poker

  • Be yourself.

  • Trust your instincts—your presence at the table is enough.

  • Don’t let intimidation shake you.

  • Play your game, your way.

Michelle Ceglarek is living proof that a poker career doesn’t have to be full-time to be impactful. It has to be focused. Passionate. Consistent.

She’ll be doing exactly that on June 22 at the Venetian, where the top women in the game will compete for one of the most prestigious titles in poker—and where Michelle will show, once again, what’s possible when you show up on your own terms.

Pre-Register For Women in Poker High Roller – $100,000 Guarantee – Venetian Poker Room

 

 

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