Phil Ivey had the distinction of winning 3 gold bracelets in 2002, after his success in playing the World Series of poker. He equaled the record of 4 other greats before him by becoming a player with most wins in single year. He has become a celebrity in his own right and he had to face awkward moments, when greeted by total strangers at all sorts of places. A pleasant person to talk to Phil Ivey has given the impression of a very shy man and of reserved personality. It appears that he has had to look reserved because of the way he is pestered by fans all the time and anywhere in the city. Known for his aggressive style of playing poker people are naturally surprised when he looks reserved when appearing in public.

Though a great poker rockets player, having played against many of the leading poker players of the time Phil Ivey had great love for golf. It is said that he spends time alternatively between the poker table and the golf course. It is strange that he established a great name as a bad golf player. Betting was his second nature to him and he resorted to heavy betting even on the golf course. His self confidence in playing poker was amazing because he won the gold bracelets several times in the World Series of poker. It is said that he used to bet odds on his name while playing poker game and won huge amount of money, making up the loss he had made the previous year.

Perhaps, because of his craze for golf he is called by some people as the Tiger Woods of poker. The term is most in appropriate and many people would like to call him the Phil Ivey of poker unequaled by anyone else and class by himself. He used to very calm and collected and totally focused while playing the game. He pays full attention to every matter of detail and does not allow the events happening around him to disturb his concentration. He showed this quality while appearing on a television show, playing against five obnoxious players who appeared to be totally drunk. Totally focused on his game and undisturbed Phil Ivey won the game. So much for his focus and concentration.

Phil Ivey never realized that he was one of the top most players of poker as a result he never utilized his strong points to win matches. All the time he used to talk about improving his game and the need to work on some weak aspects. That is considered as making him a great player and the person because of whom the game of poker becomes better.

The list of tournaments won by Phil Ivey is a very long one. At other games, he has ended up as finalist and also in 3rdplace. He is always one among those who made substantial earnings. He rarely finished less than number 3 position, if he failed to come as number1. His total earnings in tournaments in poker are in excess of $13 million.