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Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey is an American professional poker player widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest all-around players.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Phil Ivey is an American professional poker player widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest all-around players. He has won 11 World Series of Poker bracelets, one World Poker Tour title, and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017. His career spans both high-stakes cash games and tournament poker, with live earnings exceeding $14 million according to the WSOP.

Early life

Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, California, in 1977. He began playing poker as a teenager in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Poker career

Ivey became known for success across tournament poker, cash games, and multiple poker variants. His first WSOP bracelet came in 2000 in a $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha event.

Major achievements

His career highlights include 11 WSOP bracelets, one WPT title, and induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017. He has also been described as a dominant high-stakes player and a leading figure in poker history. WSOP lists his career live tournament winnings at more than $14 million, while broader live tournament tracking sites list substantially higher total live earnings.

Controversies

Ivey was involved in legal disputes with casinos over baccarat play, in cases that drew significant attention in the poker and gambling industries.

Key facts

  • Phil Ivey has won 11 World Series of Poker bracelets.
  • He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017.
  • He is widely described as one of the best all-around players in poker history.
  • He has won one World Poker Tour title and reached multiple WPT final tables.
  • He is associated with high-stakes cash games and tournament poker.
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Canadian context

Phil Ivey has competed internationally in major poker events that attract Canadian players and audiences, but he is primarily an American player and there is no strong Canada-specific biographical connection in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

How many WSOP bracelets has Phil Ivey won?
Phil Ivey has won 11 World Series of Poker bracelets.
What is Phil Ivey best known for?
He is best known as a professional poker player with major success in both tournament poker and high-stakes cash games.
Is Phil Ivey in the Poker Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2017.
What was Phil Ivey’s first WSOP win?
His first WSOP bracelet came in 2000 in a $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha event.
How many World Poker Tour titles has Phil Ivey won?
He has won one World Poker Tour title.

References

  1. World Series of Poker — https://www.wsop.com/players/244135544/phil-ivey/
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, residence, 11 WSOP bracelets, Poker Hall of Fame induction, and first WSOP bracelet details.
  2. Poker.org — https://www.poker.org/poker-players/phil-ivey/
    Supports: General career overview, 11 bracelets, high-stakes success, Hall of Fame induction, and legal disputes.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Ivey
    Supports: Full name, nationality, WPT title, WPT final-table appearances, and Hall of Fame induction.
  4. CardPlayer — https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-players/3100-phil-ivey
    Supports: Birthdate, country of origin, and recorded earnings.