blonde poker

 
Negreanu, Brunson, Lederer, Hansen – many of the greats have won a WPT title, but there’s one chap who has continually fallen short. But hold the front page, because on his record breaking eighth venture onto centre stage, Phil Ivey finally broke his WPT duck to become this year’s L.A. Poker Classic champion.

In what was possibly one of the Tour’s toughest final table line-ups to date, Phil Ivey found himself up against not only former WPT victor Nam Le, but also eleven time bracelet winner and champion bullet dodger Phil ‘if there was no luck in poker, I’d win every time’ Hellmuth.

With nearly double the chips of nearest rival Scott Montgomery, Ivey was in great shape heading into the final day, but after doubling up Charles Moore early doors, was forced to sit back and watch as the first scalp of the day went to Charles Moore, his A-Q enough to see off Hellmuth’s A-9 and send the Poker Brat packing.

After California pro Nam Le eliminated Scott Montgomery in fifth, Phil Ivey took over, making short work of both Nam Le and Charles Moore to leave himself heads up against Quinn Do.

With a 5-1 chip lead, it didn’t take long for Ivey to snatch victory, his A-8 on an 8-A-6-A board enough to leave Quinn 'The Not So Mighty Eski' Do and his 9-8 drawing dead. An academic Four later, and Ivey was announced the Champion, the legendary Full Tilt star being left to soak up the applause of the Commerce audience and bask in the glory of his victory.

Considered the very best in the world, Phil Ivey can now boast a most enviable record with over $9 million in tournament winnings and five WSOP bracelets to his name. With bracelet victories in 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2006, Ivey's WSOP record is second to none in terms of winnings and consistency, and at just 32, he still has plenty of years ahead.

With 665 entries, the Main Event was relatively well attended. Of those who cashed, notable  appearances came in the form of Jennifer Tilly, David Singer and Alan Goehring who finished 12th, 18th and 37th respectively, the former of which garnering yet more respect with a $61.5k payday.

In the side events, the star performer of the week was Men Nguyen, ‘The Master’ winning two tournaments for a cumulative reward of $125k. Also taking home that amount was Michael Binger, the 2006 WSOP finalist finishing top of the pile in the £1,500 No Limit Hold’Em Freezeout.
 
1st  Phil Ivey -- $1,596,100
2nd  Quinn Do -- $909,400
3rd  Charles Moore -- $625,630
4th  Nam Le -- $411,770
5th  Scott Montgomery -- $296,860
6th  Phil Hellmuth -- $229,820