At the 2010 Aussie Millions, Team Full Tilt Poker member Phil Ivey broke yet another astonishing record in the world of poker, surpassing fellow superstar Daniel Negreanu to become the all-time leading money winner in tournament play.
Ivey accomplished the feat when he ran second to fellow American Dan Shak in the $100k buy-in event in January - a 24 player field that featured some of the biggest names in the game today. A gruelling two-days of intense tournament play unfolded, culminating in an Ivey- Shak showdown for the $1.2 million first prize. Shak emerged victorious, however it was Ivey who could have the last laugh, pocketing $600k and running his total tournament earnings to over US$12.8 million; eclipsing Negreanu by more than $350,000.
Ivey was extremely proud of the remarkable achievement but typically tried to play down the commotion. The Full Tilt Poker legend exudes a modesty that is so comforting and refreshing in a world of large egos and fame seekers.
'It's exciting. I've been after that for a while now, so it feels good to get there. I don't think I'll celebrate too much. I’m just going to go to dinner, maybe have a glass of wine or two and play some poker later. I don’t really think, 'oh, I'm the best in the world, I just try to perform the best that I can day in and day out,' he said.
2009 was an incredible year for the game's most prominent figure, claiming two WSOP bracelets on route to final tabling the Main Event. This proved a major stepping stone in his bid to leap-frog Negreanu, claiming almost $2 million alone with his combined victories at the prestigious Las Vegas extravaganza.
Negreanu was characteristically gracious in his response to the new money standings, claiming in his blog that Ivey was without a doubt the best player in the game today.
'It's my belief that Phil Ivey is the best poker player in the world, and that includes every format. I've played live with him, and cash, Hold'em, Stud, Omaha, whatever, and he is just the most consistently good player at everything- include online based on what his results look like. I don't think anyone has won more money online, live play, or tournament poker, than Ivey,' he said.