by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Sep 15, 2023 | Updated on Sep 15, 2023
Summary:
- Ivey has become the first player to confirm his attendance at the $1M Big One for One Drop
- Ivey has never cashed out in a Big One for One Drop event
- The tournament returns as part of the WPT World Championship series this December
Phil Ivey will be one of the players who will battle it out in the Big One for One Drop which returns this year with the World Poker Tour (WPT) as its new partner.
The popular tournament will run as part of the WPT World Championship this December at Wynn Las Vegas. This year’s Big One for One Drop runs from December 18-20, 2023.
Chance at Redemption
Ivey who is currently serving as a WPT ambassador, will be up against other poker elites who will each pay $1,000,000 to enter the tournament. The poker legend will look to redeem himself this December as he never reached the money in the event during his previous attempts. The closest he has been to an ITM finish was in 2018 when he was eliminated in 8th place, with Justin Bonomo crowned as the winner.
Ivey’s participation in the tournament will draw plenty of attention as he is widely considered a legend of the game. He is one of the most successful poker players of all time with $40.7 million in total live earnings, over $4 million of that he won in WPT events.
Since joining the WPT family in November of last year, Ivey has been actively participating in various WPT-sponsored events. He showed up at the Premier Meet-Up Game along with other big names during the inaugural WPT World Championship at Wynn in 2022. He also took part in the WPT EveryOne for One Drop at the same venue in July 2023 where he fell two spots short of being in the money.
Ivey’s attendance in the Big One for One Drop is anticipated given his ongoing love affair with high-stakes poker. In a press release, the Poker Hall of Famer said there’s something extra special about competing in big buy-in events especially those associated with the WPT – it elevates everyone’s game.
Big One for One Drop Back After 5 Years
Ivey confirmed his participation in the $1,000,000 Big One for One Drop via a September 15 Twitter post. More prominent names are expected to throw their hats in the ring as the tournament makes a comeback after five years.
The Big One for One Drop launched in 2012, with Antonio Esfandiari winning the inaugural event for $18.3 million. The tournament was held once more in 2014 (won by Dan Colman), 2016 (won by Elton Tsang), and 2018 (won by Bonomo) before going on a long hiatus.
