Phil Ivey Not Playing in the WSOP

Eight-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Phil Ivey, will NOT be playing in this year's tournaments!  According to an article by Cardplayer.com's Brian Pempus, Ivey is suing Tiltware LLC for more than 150 million dollars and will not participate in the 2011 World Series of Poker.

Ivey appears to be sticking to his word as nine of the WSOP events have already taken place or are in progress and he has not appeared in either. Pempus published a statement from Ivey's website, stating: "I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed that Full Tilt players have not been paid money they are owed. I am equally embarrassed that as a result many players cannot compete in tournaments and have suffered economic harm. I am not playing in the World Series of Poker as I do not believe it is fair that I compete when others cannot. I am doing everything I can to seek a solution to the problem as quickly as possible". For the full scoop, check out the Pempus article in it's entirety.

In my opinion, Ivey is the best poker player in the world.  At 35 years old, Ivey is tied for fifth all-time for most WSOP bracelets.  Phil Helmuth may lead with 11 bracelets but Helmuth is 46 and all bracelets he has won are in Holdem. Ivey has won all eight bracelets in different styles of games such as Stud and Omaha.  I hope this situation gets resolved and all parties are happy, it'd be a shame not to see one of the greatest poker players of all time make a run at history.