Nationality
Phil Ivey is an American citizen. He was born in the United States and holds U.S. citizenship status.
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Born (date and place of birth)
Phil Ivey was born on February 1, 1977, in Riverside, California, United States.
Residence (current location)
Phil Ivey currently resides in Henderson, Nevada, USA, which is a common residence for many professional poker players due to its proximity to Las Vegas and favorable living conditions for high-stakes gamblers.
Education (institution, specialization)
Verified specific educational background for Phil Ivey is not publicly detailed; professional poker players often have varied educational paths, with many self-taught or honed skills through experience in card rooms rather than formal academic institutions.
Children (number, ages)
Public information on Phil Ivey’s children, including number and ages, is not well-documented or publicly available, respecting personal privacy norms typical for many players.
Year started playing poker
Phil Ivey began playing poker professionally around the year 2000, marked by his first major tournament cash and WSOP bracelet win in that year.
Age when started playing
He started serious poker involvement as a teenager; specifically, he began playing competitively in his late teens, likely around age 17-18, as indicated by early participation in local card rooms and tournaments before 2000.
Year turned professional
Phil Ivey transitioned to professional poker status officially around the year 2000, coinciding with his breakout at the World Series of Poker.
First major win (amount, tournament, year)
Phil Ivey’s first significant tournament victory was the $2,500 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 2000 World Series of Poker, winning approximately $195,000.
Who introduced to poker / first mentor
There is no verified public record of a specific poker mentor; however, it is known that Phil Ivey developed his skills playing in local Los Angeles card rooms and Atlantic City as a youth, learning by experience and observation, which is a common route for many players.
First important tournament
Phil Ivey’s first important tournament participation recorded was a $540 Limit Hold’em event at the First Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in 2000, where he finished in-the-money and won $53,297.
Main motivation for turning pro
Phil Ivey’s primary motivation to turn professional stemmed from his natural affinity for games of chance and strategy combined with early success in poker tournaments, fueling a passion to pursue poker full-time as a highly skilled competitor.
Initial bankroll
Details about Phil Ivey’s initial bankroll are not publicly documented; generally, poker players build their early bankrolls from winnings in smaller stakes cash games or tournaments, personal funds, or backing arrangements with stake investors or friends.
Poker education (courses, coaches)
Phil Ivey did not have formal poker education; like many top pros, he developed his expertise through extensive play, analyzing opponents, hand experience, and self-study rather than enrolling in formal poker courses or coaching early in his career.
First sponsor/backing
Phil Ivey’s first major poker sponsorship was with Full Tilt Poker during the peak of online poker in the mid-2000s, which became a significant platform for his online and live poker career exposure.
Total live tournament winnings
Phil Ivey’s total live tournament winnings exceed $52 million as of 2025, making him one of the highest-earning live tournament players in history.
Number of tournament wins
Phil Ivey has accumulated numerous tournament victories, including 11 WSOP bracelets and multiple other major tournament titles, totaling dozens across his career.
Number of final tables
Phil Ivey has reached numerous final tables, including multiple WSOP final tables and WPT finals, with over 30 final table appearances recorded in major live events.
Largest tournament win (amount, tournament, year)
One of Phil Ivey’s largest single tournament wins was $2,000,000 at the 2012 Aussie Millions $250,000 Super High Roller event.
WSOP bracelets (number)
Phil Ivey has won 11 World Series of Poker bracelets spanning from 2000 to 2024, placing him second all-time behind Phil Hellmuth.
WSOP cashes (number)
Phil Ivey has cashed in over 70 World Series of Poker events throughout his career, consistently placing in the money.
WSOP final tables
He has reached more than 10 final tables at the WSOP, including multiple events across varied poker disciplines.
Best WSOP Main Event result
Phil Ivey’s best finish in the WSOP Main Event is 7th place, achieved in 2009, earning him over $1.4 million.
Super high roller results ($100K+)
Phil Ivey has multiple deep runs and notable finishes in Super High Roller events with buy-ins of $100K and above, including top placements in the Triton series and other prestigious high-stakes tournaments.
High roller wins ($25K-$100K)
Ivey has won several High Roller events with buy-ins between $25K-$100K, including an $80,000 No-Limit Hold’em event in recent years.
Online tournament winnings
Phil Ivey has earned over $20 million in profit from online cash games, the highest recorded for online play.
Major online titles
He won a $25,000 online WPT heads-up tournament in June 2021 for $400,000. Other major online titles are less publicized due to the nature of cash games.
Poker team
Phil Ivey is currently affiliated as a World Poker Tour Ambassador; prior to that, he was sponsored by Full Tilt Poker during its prime years.
Main cash game limits
Phil Ivey primarily plays high stakes cash games at limits including $4,000/$8,000 and even higher stakes in private and casino games.
Highest stakes played
He has participated in the highest stakes cash games ever recorded, including famous "Big Game" sessions at Bellagio with limits up to $100,000/$200,000 and beyond.
Notable high stakes sessions
Phil Ivey’s sessions against billionaire Andy Beal reportedly yielded $16 million in profit over multiple high-stakes cash game matches.
"Big Game" participation
Phil Ivey was a regular in the Bellagio "Big Game," competing against legends such as Doyle Brunson, Chip Reese, and Jennifer Harman, among others.
Estimated cash game profits (if known)
Public estimates place Phil Ivey’s live and online cash game profits in tens of millions, with over $20 million profit verified online and substantial unknown amounts live.
Country ranking
Within the United States, Phil Ivey is considered one of the top-ranked poker players historically and contemporarily, often cited among the American top 5 poker pros.
All Time Money List position
Phil Ivey ranks in the top 10 on the All-Time Money List for live poker tournament earnings.
Tournament ROI (if known)
Specific ROI calculations for Phil Ivey are not publicly detailed, but his consistent high cashes and wins indicate a high tournament ROI over his career.
Average tournament win
Phil Ivey’s average tournament cash prize is in the tens of thousands to low six figures, influenced by major wins in high roller and WSOP events.
ITM percentage
Phil Ivey’s in-the-money percentage is above the typical professional standard, likely over 20%, reflecting strong consistency.
Final table percentage from cashes
His final table percentage relative to total cashes is considered high for elite pros, estimated near 20-25% based on available data.
Statistics by year (best/worst year)
Year by year, Phil Ivey’s best performance years include 2002 with three WSOP bracelets, 2009 with two WSOP bracelets and a 7th place Main Event finish, and 2024 with an 11th bracelet; some quieter years reflect focus on cash games rather than tournaments.
Main discipline (Hold'em, Omaha, Mixed games)
Phil Ivey specializes primarily in No-Limit Hold’em and mixed games including Omaha and Seven Card Stud variants.
Format specialization (tournaments/cash/online/live)
He excels both in live tournaments and high-stakes cash games, showcasing broad format expertise from freezeouts to cash sessions.
Preferred table size (6-max, full ring, heads-up)
Phil Ivey predominantly prefers full-ring and short-handed (6-max) tables, frequently excelling in heads-up matchups as well.
Known formats (NLHE, PLO, HORSE, others)
His expertise spans NLHE, Pot Limit Omaha, Seven Card Stud, HORSE, 2-7 Triple Draw, and other mixed game formats.
Specialization limits
Phil Ivey performs optimally at the highest stakes, including mid-to-high six-figure buy-in tournaments and nosebleed cash game limits.
Online rooms where plays
Known for high stakes play on Full Tilt Poker, Ivey's presence on other online platforms is less publicized but includes major online poker sites at high stakes.
Favorite casinos/locations
His preferred live venues include Bellagio, Aria, Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, and major tournaments like the WSOP at Rio and Wynn in Las Vegas.
Style characterization (TAG, LAG, nitty, aggressive)
Phil Ivey is characterized by a balanced but aggressive playing style with strong discipline, tactical adaptability, and formidable skill in deception.
Known for bluffs/traps
Renowned for his aggressive yet calculated bluffs and occasional traps, Ivey’s playstyle keeps opponents uncertain of his holdings.
Mathematical or intuitive approach
His decision-making is a blend of deep mathematical understanding and intuitive reads, evidencing scientific and instinctive poker strategy.
Style adaptability
Phil Ivey demonstrates exceptional adaptability, modifying tactics dynamically to the skill level and tendencies of opponents.
Playing strengths
His main strengths include extraordinary hand reading, psychological insight, mixed game versatility, and composure under pressure.
GTO strategy usage
While traditional GTO theory was not fully established early in Ivey’s career, he incorporates game theory concepts extensively in modern play.
Poker software usage
Although not publicly detailed, elite pros like Ivey typically use poker software tools for review, analysis, and preparation, especially in recent years.
Television appearances (list of shows with specific episodes/dates)
Phil Ivey appeared on television shows such as "High Stakes Poker," "Poker After Dark," and "Late Night Poker" multiple times between 2003 and 2015.
High Stakes Poker participation (seasons/episodes)
Ivey was a regular on "High Stakes Poker" for multiple seasons, showcasing his high-stakes cash game skills.
Poker After Dark appearances (episodes/dates)
He has appeared multiple times on "Poker After Dark," including high-profile episodes featuring top pros.
Documentary films featuring (titles and links)
Phil Ivey has been featured in poker documentaries spotlighting his career, including productions by Poker After Dark and High Stakes Poker series.
Major publication interviews (publication names, article titles, links)
Ivey has been interviewed by PokerNews, CardPlayer, and Poker Central, providing insights into his career and poker philosophy.
Podcast appearances (podcast names, episode titles, dates, links)
Phil Ivey has made guest appearances on high-profile poker podcasts, including Poker Central and Run it Once Poker shows.
Own podcast/channel (name, platform, subscriber count, link)
There is no verified record of Phil Ivey hosting his own podcast or video channel as of now.
Facebook (account link)
He has a Facebook page with engagement primarily from fans, often sharing posted interviews and event news.
YouTube channel (name, subscriber count, link)
Phil Ivey himself does not operate a personal YouTube channel; however, many poker channels showcase his highlights and tutorials.
Twitch channel (name, follower count, link)
Phil Ivey does not have a regularly active Twitch streaming channel known publicly at this time.
TikTok presence (account link, follower count)
No verified TikTok presence publicly known for Phil Ivey.
LinkedIn profile (link)
No public LinkedIn profile is known for Phil Ivey, typical for poker professionals focusing on the game rather than corporate career networking.
Posting frequency in social media
Phil Ivey posts infrequently on social media, mostly during major events or notable poker industry news.
Type of content in social media
Shared content mainly includes poker-related news, tournament updates, personal milestones, and occasional promotional material.
Current sponsors (company names, deal details if public)
Phil Ivey is currently affiliated as a World Poker Tour Ambassador; past sponsorship includes being a professional representative for Full Tilt Poker.
Sponsorship contract history (previous sponsors, dates)
Historically sponsored by Full Tilt Poker during the 2000s and early 2010s until the site’s closure.
Poker site ambassadorship (site names, contract details)
Phil Ivey is officially a WPT Ambassador, representing the World Poker Tour in various events and media engagements.
Own business (business names, descriptions, websites)
There are no publicly known personal business ventures or companies owned by Phil Ivey outside of poker-related endorsements.
Poker project investments (project names, involvement details)
No publicly available specific information on investments Phil Ivey has made within the poker industry beyond sponsorships and endorsements.
Coaching services (availability, platforms used)
Phil Ivey does not publicly offer personal coaching services, consistent with many elite pros who prefer privacy.
Coaching rates (if public)
Not applicable as personal coaching services are not publicly recorded.
Educational materials (book titles with ISBN, course names with platforms, video series titles with links)
Phil Ivey has not published formal educational materials such as books or courses on poker.
Affiliate programs (program names, partnerships)
There are no publicly recorded affiliate partnerships or poker promotional programs directly run by Phil Ivey.
Merchandise (product types, where sold, links)
No verified personal merchandise lines for Phil Ivey are publicly listed.
Written poker books (titles, publication years, ISBN, publisher)
Phil Ivey has not authored any poker books; biographical books about him exist written by others.
Training series participation (series names, platforms, links)
No public record of Phil Ivey participating in paid training series as an instructor.
Masterclasses and seminars (event names, dates, locations)
No verified record of masterclass or seminar presentations given by Phil Ivey.
Coaching work (platforms used, student testimonials)
Phil Ivey does not provide professional coaching services publicly.
Notable students (names if public, their achievements)
No known public information on notable poker coaching students taught by Phil Ivey.
YouTube educational content (video titles, view counts, links)
No educational content on YouTube created by Phil Ivey himself.
Poker publication articles (publication names, article titles, publication dates, links)
Numerous poker media outlets have published feature articles on Phil Ivey, including PokerNews, CardPlayer, and Poker Central.
Magazine columns (magazine names, column titles, frequency)
Phil Ivey does not write regular columns in poker magazines or publications.
Conference speaking (conference names, dates, topics, video links)
No publicly recorded speaking engagements or conference appearances by Phil Ivey.
Poker scandal involvement (scandal names, details, outcomes)
Phil Ivey was involved in a widely publicized legal dispute regarding "edge sorting" at baccarat tables in casinos, which attracted significant media attention but was resolved through court decisions by 2020.
Accusations of unfair play (specific incidents, resolutions)
The "edge sorting" accusations at Crockfords and Borgata casinos were highly publicized, with legal rulings against Ivey, but no criminal cheating convictions.
Casino/room conflicts (venue names, incident details)
The edge sorting legal battles represent his main documented conflicts with casinos, involving millions of dollars in disputed winnings.
Legal proceedings (case details, outcomes, court documents)
Legal issues centered on the edge sorting case involved multiple courts and appeals, resolving finally in 2020 with rulings against Ivey retaining winnings.
Public disputes with colleagues (names involved, details)
Besides the legal disputes, no notable personal public disputes with fellow players have been documented.
Tournament rule violations (tournament names, violations, penalties)
No documented tournament rule violations resulting in penalties are publicly known.
Tax issues (if public, details, resolutions)
No public records of tax issues involving Phil Ivey.
Poker community criticism (specific criticisms, responses)
Criticism primarily stems from controversies over edge sorting and perceived aggressive legal defense tactics; within poker communities he remains widely respected for skill.
Response to criticism (statements, actions taken)
Phil Ivey and his legal teams defended his actions as skill-based advantage play, maintaining his innocence of cheating and emphasizing legal rights.
Poker industry awards (award names, years, organizations)
Phil Ivey was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017, one of poker’s highest honors recognizing career excellence.
Hall of Fame inclusion (hall names, induction years)
Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017 at age 40, marking his recognition among poker legends.
Peer recognition (specific recognitions, award details)
Peer recognition is extensive; many players and analysts cite Phil Ivey as one of the greatest poker players ever for his all-around skills and achievements.
Poker publication awards (publication names, award types, years)
Numerous poker magazines and websites have honored Phil Ivey with awards for "Best Player," "Best Cash Game Player," and "Player of the Year" recognitions over his career.
Special achievements (achievement descriptions, recognition details)
Special achievements include being the youngest player to win ten WSOP bracelets and holding longstanding records for online cash game profits.
Records associated with name (record descriptions, verification)
Holds records for highest online cash game winnings on Full Tilt Poker and ranks second all-time in WSOP bracelets with 11.
Contribution to poker development (specific contributions, recognition)
Phil Ivey contributed to popularizing mixed games and high-stakes cash games, raising poker's profile with his intense professionalism and strategic complexity.
Charity tournaments (tournament names, amounts raised, beneficiaries)
No publicly verified records of participation in prominent charity poker tournaments.
Legacy in poker world (specific legacy aspects, community impact)
Phil Ivey’s legacy is as one of the all-time greatest poker players, renowned for versatility, competitive longevity, and influence on high-stakes poker culture.
Industry influence (specific influences, changes attributed)
He influenced poker by demonstrating the viability of mixed games, shaping online cash game play, and elevating poker’s global visibility through televised events.
Phil Ivey has occasionally provided poker commentary, but he is primarily known as a player rather than a commentator.