Phil Ivey Eyes Historic 11th WSOP Bracelet After a Decade-Long Wait

• Key takeaway one: Phil Ivey has reached the final table in Event #29 at the WSOP, eyeing his 11th bracelet after 10 years.
• Key takeaway two: Ivey's last WSOP win was in 2014, and a victory now would place him second all-time in bracelet wins.
• Key takeaway three: The final table includes notable players like Jason Mercier and Benny Glaser, intensifying Ivey's challenge.

Phil Ivey, a name synonymous with poker excellence, is on the brink of making history once again at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). After a decade-long absence from the winner's circle, Ivey has battled his way to the final table of Event #29: $10,000 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship (6-Handed), setting the stage for a potential 11th WSOP bracelet win.

The Poker Hall of Famer's last triumph at the WSOP was back in 2014 during a $1,500 8-Game Mix event, marking a period of dominance where he amassed 10 bracelets, the most anyone has secured within a 15-year span. With Phil Hellmuth leading the pack with 17 bracelets, Ivey's potential victory could further solidify his legacy by moving him out of a four-way tie for second place with legends Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson, and Erik Seidel.

Ivey's journey to the final table hasn't been without its challenges. Starting the day fifth in chips among the remaining 13 players, he experienced a significant setback, losing a large portion of his stack early. However, showcasing the resilience and skill that many argue position him as the greatest poker player of all time, Ivey managed to climb back up the leaderboard as play progressed.

This year's WSOP has seen a notable absence of final table appearances from poker's mainstream stars, including Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, and Daniel Negreanu, with the latter also aiming to break an 11-year bracelet drought. Ivey's unique distinction as the only player to win 10 bracelets outside of no-limit hold'em events underlines his versatile talent in the realm of poker.

Standing between Ivey and his 11th bracelet are formidable opponents, including six-time bracelet winner Jason Mercier and five-time winner Benny Glaser, the reigning champion of the $10k 2-7 event. With seven players remaining and a first-place prize of $347,440 on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher.

As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Ivey to see if he can overcome the odds and reclaim his status as a WSOP champion. Regardless of the outcome, his legendary status in the world of poker remains undisputed, with 85 cashes in bracelet events and $45 million in lifetime live tournament earnings to his name.

(First reported by: The Hendon Mob)