Phil Ivey has been on an incredible run in the 2012 World Series of Poker and there is no sign of him slowing down yet. Ivey has already made 5 different final tables already at this year’s WSOP, but has been unable to add another bracelet to his collection so far. Ivey is 0-5 in the hunt for his 9th bracelet, and the numerous 7-figure bracelet bets that comes along with it.

Phil has a knack for dangerous prop betting, and the 2012 WSOP is no exception. Because the first place money in any of these events is a mere pittance to what he will win in side bets, you can tell Phil is truly playing for the win. The difference between 2nd and 1st in terms of what Phil will earn are astronomical, and players at his table are certainly aware of this. But that doesn’t stop Ivey from running them over anyway.

Ivey constantly demonstrates the best way to play tournament poker, playing for 1st place. Phil mixes his play with well timed aggression, and he also knows when to slow down and tighten up. Phil has incredible hand reading ability, and just seems to always be making the correct play in every situation that comes up. The only thing that seems to prevent him from winning every tournament he enters is just some occasional bad luck.

Here is a recap of Phil’s run so far at the 2012 WSOP:

Event 14: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout, 118th place : $5,295

: $5,295 Event 15: $5,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split 8-or-Better: 7th place , $34,595

, $34,595 Event 17: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hold’em, 2nd place : $275,559

: $275,559 Event 24: $5,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split 8-or-Better, 3rd place : $136,046

: $136,046 Event 32 $10,000 H.O.R.S.E., 5th plac e,$99,739

e,$99,739 Event 35: $2,500 Mixed Hold’em, 8th place, $21,699

Phil Hellmuth Does it Again

Phil has once again shown his versatility by reaching the final table in all different variants of poker and event structure. Ironically enough, Ivey has never won a hold’em bracelet at the World Series of Poker. With his 5 final table finishes, Phil Ivey is in the lead in the 2012 WSOP Player of the Year race. He is not ahead by very far, as other pro’s have put in impressive WSOP runs as well.

This years WSOP also saw fan favorite Phil Hellmuth win his 12th WSOP bracelet, further extending his lead as the all-time WSOP bracelet winner. Phil won his bracelet in Event #18: Seven Card Razz, and he continues to prove he is one of the best tournament players in the game. With Hellmuth winning his 12th bracelet this summer, you can be sure Phil Ivey is disappointed that he has more work cut out for him to catch up. Hellmuth had a dry spell of 7 final tables without a win, so I think Phil is definitely due for a win this summer. I wouldn’t recommend ever betting against Phil Ivey.

Unfortunately we haven’t seen a Phil Hellmuth explosion just yet at the 2012 WSOP, but there is still time.