Phil Ivey Returns to US Play With LA Poker Classic: Finishes Day Strong

With the prize pool set at the 2012 LA Poker Classic, Phil Ivey made his debut after more than a year’s absence playing in US tournaments.  Ivey has suffered through a tumultuous divorce both from his wife and former employer, the now defunct Full Tilt Poker.

Ivey finished the first day strong as did fellow pro, 2010 World Series of Poker champ Jonathan Duhamel, who has been on fire these past two months.

The 36-year-old Ivey has been accused by would be investors in Full Tilt Poker of owing millions to the company.  Customers have not been paid since the summer (US players have waited since last April).

Full Tilt Poker found itself in the crosshairs of the US Justice Department after the once second largest online poker room was named in an indictment whereby two executives from the firm were charged with money laundering and bank fraud.  Three other shareholders have since been accused by US authorities of engaging in an elaborate ponzi scheme. 

For now Ivey has managed to save face but there is growing anger within the poker community aimed at all of those connected to the Full Tilt debacle. 

Ivey emerged last month in Macau, registering to play in some huge high stakes games.  He then headed down to the Aussie Millions Main Event. 

Here is a look at the complete payouts for the 2012 LA Poker Classic:

Place

Payout

1st

$1,370,240

2nd

$806,370

3rd

$521,770

4th

$355,750

5th

$252,980

6th

$202,910

7th

$155,480

8th

$110,680

9th

$79,060

10th-12th

$60,610

13th – 15th

$47,430

16th – 18th

$39,530

19th – 27th

$34,260

28th – 36th

$28,990

37th – 45th

$23,720

46th – 54th

$21,080

- Ace King, Gambling911.com