Phil Ivey, aka 'the Tiger Woods of poker,' won the WSOP $5,000 Omaha with Re-buys tournament last night after a heads-up match against Robert Williamson III. He was rewarded with $630,685 in cash for his efforts. This was Ivey's fifth World Series of Poker bracelet, but surely not his last. Keep reading to find out more about this great player.

Born:

California, 1976

Current Residence:

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Distinctions:

Won three WSOP bracelets in one year
Referred to as the Tiger Woods of poker
Plays in the highest stakes cash games

Phil Ivey burst onto the poker scene at a very young age; his previous experience included a lot of success with video games. His presence and charisma at the table have gained him many fans through televised tournaments. His typical garb includes a basketball jersey, for which reason commentators often refer to his frequent wins as 'slam dunks.'

A brief listing of his victories would have to include his having won three gold bracelets in the 2002 World Series of Poker. He's had a slew of first place finishes in various games at the WSOP and several first place finishes at the Bellagio Five Star World Poker Classic. He has finished in the money enough times to make lesser players as green as the felt on a poker table.

Phil has a quiet, focused playing style; observing him, one can see that he absorbs everything. He's best known for his No-Limit play but is certainly not shabby in Seven-Card Stud; indeed, he won the 2002 World Series of Poker Seven-Card Stud event and made the final table in 2003.

One fan said of Phil: 'Unbelievable style of play. This kid has to ice his elbow because he shoves them in the middle so often.' Another commentator said: 'I had the privilege of getting knocked out of the WSOP 2003 by Phil. I must say that he is one of the hardest players to read. I won a few pots, then read him for two high pair, but when I went all-in, he called with TRIPS!! Totally sets up the misread...'

Phil is self-effacing in regards to his great talent and is not one to seek out the limelight. Nonetheless, he keeps garnering more and more admiration from everybody who cares about poker.

Beyond his tournament victories, Phil has enjoyed considerable success in live cash games. At the online card room FullTiltPoker.com, Phil has his own table where, if you dare, you can play with him.

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