Global poker news

Phil Ivey Takes the Plunge: Inaugural Participant in $1M WPT Big One for One Drop

PokerHopper
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The Poker Legend’s Comeback

Poker enthusiasts and high-stakes aficionados have a lot to look forward to at the upcoming World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship taking place at Wynn Las Vegas this December. The buzz is real as the iconic Phil Ivey has officially announced his participation as the first entrant in the $1,000,000 buy-in Big One for One Drop event. As a Poker Hall of Famer and WPT ambassador, Ivey is set to battle against some of the world’s top high-stakes pros in a bid to add more glitter to his illustrious career.

Pursuing Glory and Redemption

Widely hailed as the greatest poker player of all time, Phil Ivey will be aiming to augment his already impressive poker resume. With $4.4 million in lifetime WPT earnings and a staggering $40.7 million in lifetime earnings, Ivey is no stranger to big wins. However, he’s coming back to the One Drop scene five years after falling short in previous events. In 2018, he narrowly missed the money in the last Big One for One Drop and bubbled the EveryOne for One Drop this summer.

Ivey’s Take on the Big One

“The Big One is what high stakes is all about,” Ivey expressed in a press release. “Everyone’s game elevates when they play in the biggest buy-in event in WPT history.”

A Charitable Endeavor

The Big One for One Drop is scheduled to debut from December 18th to 20th as part of the WPT World Championship festival at Wynn Las Vegas. This tournament boasts the lowest rake ever offered by WPT, with 6% of each buy-in directly benefiting the One Drop Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to ensure sustainable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for communities facing extreme challenges, while an additional 1% will be held as the house fee.

A Season of WPT Excitement

The Big One is just one of the highlights of the second annual WPT World Championship. The $10,400 buy-in Main Event boasts a record-breaking $40 million guarantee, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Strong Interest Revived

Alexandre Meunier, One Drop Foundation’s Chief Marketing and Events Officer, remarked, “After a five-year hiatus, it seems the grounds have never been more fertile for the Big One, it is clear it has been missed.” He added that interest from past players from the worlds of business and high-stakes poker, as well as newcomers to the event, is incredibly encouraging.

Phil Ivey’s WPT Journey

Ivey has been an active ambassador for WPT since signing on last November. At the 2022 WPT World Championship, he engaged in a Premier Meet-Up game alongside other poker legends such as Patrik Antonius and the late Doyle Brunson.

Subtitle 8: Past Champions of Big One for One Drop

Here’s a look back at previous Big One for One Drop winners:

  • 2012: 48 entrants, Antonio Esfandiari, Prize: $18,346,673
  • 2014: 42 entrants, Dan Colman, Prize: $15,306,668
  • 2016: 28 entrants, Elton Tsang, Prize: $12,248,912
  • 2018: 27 entrants, Justin Bonomo, Prize: $10,000,000

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