Phil Ivey is often described as the greatest poker player of all time. His track record across tournaments, online poker, mixed games, and high-stakes cash games has earned him that reputation. Yet, when it comes to televised and livestreamed cash games, the numbers suggest a rare weak spot in his otherwise dominant career.
Ivey’s Early Appearances on Poker TV
Ivey’s first televised cash game appearance came in 2006 during a Full Tilt Poker TV broadcast, back when he was a sponsored pro. By 2007, he was a regular face on High Stakes Poker (Game Show Network, Season 3), one of the most iconic poker TV shows of the boom era. He also became a staple on Poker After Dark on NBC, further building his reputation as one of the most feared players at the table.
His return to TV cash games included the 2015 Super High Roller Cash Game, launched alongside Poker Central (now PokerGO). In October 2021, Ivey played on Hustler Casino Live, a then-new livestream, instantly boosting the show’s YouTube audience. Despite the hype, he lost more than $140,000 over 11 hours of play. His most recent public cash game came during a World Poker Tour (WPT) cash game in December 2024.
Memorable Hands and Highlights
Ivey has been involved in some of the most talked-about hands in televised poker history. One of the most famous occurred on High Stakes Poker, when Tom Dwan bluffed him out of a $677,000 pot with nothing but nine-high, while Ivey held a small pair after missing a flush draw. Despite the setback, Ivey still showed profit on the show, finishing his appearances with +$471,900 across 37 hours.
Beyond High Stakes Poker, Ivey posted notable wins on Full Tilt Poker TV (+$500,000 in 101 hours) and Poker After Dark (+$70,000 in 73 hours). These sessions showcased the fearless and aggressive style that made him a household name in the poker world.
The Numbers Behind Ivey’s Record
Data from HighRollPoker.com, which tracks televised and livestreamed games, paints a broader picture of Ivey’s performance. While his early TV career was marked by solid wins, his more recent outings have shifted the balance into negative territory.
| Show / Event | Hours Played | Profit / Loss |
|---|---|---|
| High Stakes Poker | 37 hrs | +$471,900 |
| Full Tilt Poker TV | 101 hrs | +$500,000 |
| Poker After Dark | 73 hrs | +$70,000 |
| Hustler Casino Live | 24 hrs | -$387,000 |
| Super High Roller Cash Game (2015) | 20 hrs | -$432,800 |
| Triton Poker | 36.5 hrs | -$602,961 |
| WPT Cash Game (2024) | 8 hrs | -$57,000 |
In total, Ivey has played just under 300 hours of televised and livestreamed cash games, averaging a loss of $1,367 per hour, or about 0.37 big blinds per hour. His peak came in January 2015, when he was ahead nearly $1 million lifetime, but the following decade saw a steady downward trend.
Context and Perspective
While a lifetime televised loss of more than $400,000 might sound huge to most players, for Ivey it represents little more than a single buy-in at the stakes he regularly plays. The sample size—around 300 hours—is also relatively small by cash game standards. A single massive pot could swing him back into profit.
Conclusion
Phil Ivey’s legacy as one of the greatest poker players ever remains intact. His televised and livestreamed cash game record may show mixed results, but the same fearless play that has defined his career continues to make his appearances must-watch poker. For fans, whether he wins or loses on screen, Ivey guarantees drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments at the table.
