Poker legend Phil Ivey is throwing his name behind one of the top gaming brands in the world.
The World Poker Tour announced that Ivey, a WPT Champion, has joined the company as a WPT Ambassador. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“As one of the most prominent and transformative players in poker history, Ivey expands his role in the global poker community, and WPT continues to evolve during the 20th-anniversary season,” the tour said in a statement.
“WPT is one of the most respected brands in poker, and I’m honored to become a WPT Ambassador,” said Ivey. “My commitment and passion towards poker have never been higher, and I look forward to working with the WPT to showcase poker around the world, adding to its continued expansion.”
Ivey has a rich history with the WPT, having competed in many significant events throughout the past two decades. Ivey earned his place on the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup when he won the WPT L.A. Poker Classic in 2008. Ivey has nine other final-table appearances in major WPT events.
Outside of the WPT, Ivey has been inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame and has won 10 World Series of Poker gold bracelets, tied for the second most of all time. The 45-year-old has earned nearly $40 million in live tournament earnings, placing him in the top 10 on the all-time money list. Ivey also has won untold millions in cash games throughout his career.
“Phil Ivey is one of the greatest ever to have played the game of poker. His career achievements and success as a frequent WPT final tablist underscore his deserving legacy as a true poker icon,” said Adam Pliska, WPT CEO. “As WPT celebrates its 20th-anniversary season, we have aligned the brand with talent and events that symbolize the very best in personal achievement. I cannot think of anyone who better represents that more than Phil, and I know players will appreciate the chance to interact with him at upcoming events.”
Ivey will participate in several events during the WPT World Championship Festival at Wynn Las Vegas in December.
“Apart from playing in the $10,400 WPT World Championship, Ivey will be involved in distinctive experiential fan engagement, including an exclusive off-the-felt experience on Dec. 10,” the WPT said.
In June, poker legend Doyle Brunson, also a winner of 10 World Series of Poker bracelets, joined the WPT as an ambassador.
“Doyle has been a part of the World Poker Tour from the very beginning,” Pliska said in June. “I was there for his WPT Legends of Poker victory in 2004 when he joined the WPT Champions Club and being here to welcome him to the WPT family after all this time feels surreal.”
