Phil Ivey, one of poker’s most iconic figures, topped the chip counts after Day 1 of the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship at the 2025 World Series of Poker. With a mix of calculated aggression and veteran intuition, Ivey finished the day with a commanding stack, putting him in prime position to chase yet another bracelet.
As the field narrows and the stakes rise, Ivey’s strong showing on Day 1 signals a potential deep run in one of the WSOP’s most technically demanding events.
A Format That Rewards Skill and Patience
Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, also known as Omaha Eight or Better, is known for its complexity. Players must carefully manage both the high and low halves of the pot, making hand-reading and betting discipline crucial.
Day 1 attracted a field filled with mixed-game specialists and bracelet winners, all vying for one of the year’s most coveted titles. Despite the tough competition, Ivey remained composed throughout, expertly navigating split pots and pushing edges when it mattered most.
Key Hands That Propelled Ivey to the Top
Ivey’s rise on Day 1 was marked by several decisive hands. In one notable pot, he scooped both the high and low against a three-way field, turning a nut low and rivering a king-high straight. The momentum from that hand pushed his stack past the six-figure mark and allowed him to apply pressure on shorter stacks.
Later in the day, he called down an opponent with a bare ace-two low and rivered the wheel, once again walking away with the entire pot. These moments reflect Ivey’s signature patience and ability to extract value from marginal spots.
The Field So Far
The tournament drew an elite group of players, with many familiar names making it through to Day 2. Among the notables still in contention are:
-
Brian Hastings, defending his 2023 PLO8 title
-
Dzmitry Urbanovich, known for his mixed-game finesse
-
Shaun Deeb, always dangerous in championship events
-
Mike Matusow, adding drama and energy to every table
While Ivey holds the chip lead, the margin is slim, and the competition fierce. With multiple bracelet winners still alive, Day 2 is expected to bring high drama and bold plays.
What’s at Stake
The $10K PLO Hi-Lo Championship remains one of the most respected events on the WSOP calendar. The prize pool is expected to surpass $1 million, with a six-figure payout awaiting the winner along with the coveted gold bracelet.
For Ivey, this would mark his 11th career WSOP bracelet, placing him within striking distance of Phil Hellmuth’s all-time record. A win here would not only add to his already historic résumé but also reaffirm his dominance in split-pot formats.
Leave a Reply