Phil Ivey is widely considered the game’s best player, but he’s also oblivious to the poker world. On Tuesday evening, the eight-time WSOP bracelet winner was closing in on his fifth final table since June 8. He’s cashed for more than $500,000 and currently sits in seventh in the 2012 Player of the Year race. Despite being one of the most recognizable faces in the gambling world, he doesn’t know the faces, or even names, of his peers. On Tuesday, Ivey met Vanessa Selbst for the first time. It was also the first time he had heard of her, according to Ivey’s long-time friend Daniel Negreanu, who introduced the two. One may wonder if Ivey’s lack of enthusiasm for the poker community is a giant level — meaning an elaborate prank designed to accomplish some purpose — but it isn’t, Negreanu said. “He doesn’t have many friends in poker,” Negreanu added. “He tries to stay away from all the gossip. He just wants to win.” Ivey’s career goal is 30 bracelets. In the Omaha eight-or-better event a week ago, Ivey …
Source: www.cardplayer.com
Akira Morikawa 