# Phil Ivey

> American poker player

**Wikidata**: [Q318464](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318464)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Ivey)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/phil-ivey

## Summary
Phil Ivey is an American professional poker player widely regarded as one of the greatest poker players of all time. Born in 1977, he has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets and is known for his exceptional skill in high-stakes cash games and tournament play.

## Biography
- Born: February 1, 1977
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Professional poker player, ten-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner
- Employer(s): Not specified in source material
- Field(s): Professional poker

## Contributions
Phil Ivey has made significant contributions to the world of professional poker through his exceptional gameplay and numerous tournament victories. He has won ten World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets across various poker variants, including No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. Ivey has also achieved success in high-stakes cash games, particularly in Macau and Las Vegas, where he has played in some of the highest-stakes games in poker history. His strategic innovations and psychological approach to the game have influenced a generation of poker players.

## FAQs
What is Phil Ivey known for in the poker world?
Phil Ivey is known for being one of the most successful and skilled poker players in history, with ten WSOP bracelets and numerous high-stakes cash game victories. He's often referred to as the "Tiger Woods of Poker" due to his dominance in the sport.

How many World Series of Poker bracelets has Phil Ivey won?
Phil Ivey has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets, which is one of the highest totals in poker history. His bracelet victories span multiple poker variants, showcasing his versatility as a player.

What makes Phil Ivey's playing style unique?
Ivey's playing style is characterized by his exceptional reading of opponents, mathematical precision, and ability to make bold moves at crucial moments. He combines aggressive play with careful hand selection and is known for his calm demeanor at the table.

## Why They Matter
Phil Ivey matters because he has redefined the standards of excellence in professional poker. His success across multiple poker variants and formats has demonstrated the importance of versatility in the modern game. Ivey's strategic innovations, particularly in high-stakes cash games, have influenced how top players approach the game. His career has helped elevate poker's profile as a competitive sport and has inspired countless players to pursue professional poker careers. Ivey's impact extends beyond his tournament results, as his approach to the game has become a model for aspiring professionals.

## Notable For
- Ten-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner
- Multiple high-stakes cash game victories in Macau and Las Vegas
- Known as the "Tiger Woods of Poker"
- Exceptional skill across multiple poker variants
- Influential strategic innovations in professional poker
- One of the highest-earning poker players in history
- Member of the Poker Hall of Fame (inducted in 2017)

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Phil Ivey was born on February 1, 1977, in Riverside, California. He grew up in New Jersey and began playing poker at a young age, learning the game from a fellow card player he met while recovering from a bicycle accident. Ivey's passion for poker developed during his teenage years, and he started playing in Atlantic City casinos before he was legally allowed to gamble.

### Rise to Prominence
Ivey's professional poker career began in the late 1990s when he started playing in underground games in Atlantic City and New York. His exceptional skill quickly became apparent, and he began making a name for himself in the poker community. Ivey's first major tournament success came in 2000 when he won his first World Series of Poker bracelet in the $2,500 Pot Limit Omaha event.

### World Series of Poker Success
Throughout his career, Ivey has accumulated ten WSOP bracelets, which is one of the highest totals in poker history. His bracelet victories include wins in No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and Razz. Notable victories include his 2002 win in the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em event and his 2009 victory in the $3,000 H.O.R.S.E. championship.

### High-Stakes Cash Game Dominance
Beyond tournament success, Ivey has established himself as one of the most successful high-stakes cash game players in history. He has played in some of the highest-stakes games in poker, particularly in Macau and Las Vegas. Ivey's ability to read opponents and make mathematically precise decisions has made him a formidable presence in these games, where millions of dollars can change hands in a single session.

### Strategic Innovations
Ivey's approach to poker has influenced how the game is played at the highest levels. He is known for his exceptional ability to read opponents and make decisions based on incomplete information. His strategic innovations include advanced hand-reading techniques, optimal bet-sizing in various situations, and the ability to balance his range effectively across different poker variants.

### Controversies and Legal Issues
Ivey's career has not been without controversy. In 2012, he was involved in a high-profile edge-sorting incident at Crockfords Casino in London, where he won £7.7 million playing baccarat. The casino refused to pay, claiming Ivey had used unfair methods, and the case went to court. In 2016, the UK Supreme Court ruled against Ivey, stating that edge-sorting constituted cheating under civil law.

### Poker Hall of Fame Induction
In recognition of his contributions to the game, Phil Ivey was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017. This honor acknowledges his exceptional skill, his influence on the game, and his status as one of poker's all-time greats. The induction ceremony took place during the World Series of Poker, cementing his legacy in the sport.

### Legacy and Influence
Phil Ivey's impact on professional poker extends far beyond his tournament results and cash game winnings. His approach to the game has become a model for aspiring professionals, and his success has helped elevate poker's profile as a competitive sport. Ivey's calm demeanor at the table, combined with his exceptional skill, has made him one of the most respected and feared players in the poker world.

### Playing Style Analysis
Ivey's playing style is characterized by several key elements:
- Exceptional hand-reading ability, allowing him to make accurate decisions with limited information
- Mathematical precision in bet-sizing and pot odds calculations
- Ability to balance his range effectively across different poker variants
- Psychological acumen in reading and manipulating opponents
- Calm demeanor that makes it difficult for opponents to read his emotions

### Notable Achievements
Beyond his ten WSOP bracelets, Ivey has achieved numerous other significant milestones in his poker career:
- Multiple World Poker Tour (WPT) final table appearances
- Victory in the 2008 Aussie Millions main event
- Consistent success in high-stakes cash games across multiple continents
- Recognition as one of the highest-earning poker players in history
- Induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017

### Impact on Modern Poker
Ivey's influence on modern poker is evident in several ways:
- His strategic innovations have become standard practice among top players
- His success in multiple poker variants has emphasized the importance of versatility
- His approach to high-stakes cash games has influenced how these games are structured and played
- His calm demeanor has become a model for professional conduct at the poker table
- His career has helped legitimize poker as a skill-based competitive sport

### Personal Life
While Ivey maintains a relatively private personal life, he is known to be married and has children. He has been involved in various business ventures outside of poker, including a brief ownership stake in a Memphis-based casino. Ivey is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting educational initiatives and youth programs.

## References

1. Caesars Entertainment Corporation
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. World Poker Tour
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. The Movie Database