Renowned poker star Phil Ivey has been named Bluff Magazine's player of the year for 2005. America's highest selling poker publication based the honour on Ivey's superior tournament record over the last year, including his WSOP bracelet in Omaha which won him a massive $635,603. Although predominantly a high stakes cash player, Ivey's tournament results speak for themselves. With 7 final table finishes and prize earnings of almost 3.5 million dollars, he has fast emerged as 2005's top performer.
Born in 1976 and still in his twenties, Ivey has established himself as one of the best, if not THE greatest, players in the World. He is part of a breed of young ultra aggressive players who seem to fear nothing and no one. It is this lack of fear which makes Ivey so fearsome himself. However, behind this power poker style and the sharp stare lies a humble man and a somewhat reluctant celebrity. Armed with his quiet demeanour and a lower profile than some of his counterparts, Ivey has managed to accrue many a fan.
With intentions to play even more tournaments in 2006, Ivey is surely set to retain his title as player of the year in 12 months time. And, even with the huge numbers expected to participate in the WSOP, no one would be surprised if he were to add to the 5 bracelets he already owns.
His only concern should be one snoopy1239, who I hear is fast becoming one of the game's most dangerous players. Many have predicted big things for this lad who is set to take the poker world by storm. Then I woke up.