Phil Ivey Becomes a Virtue Poker Ambassador

Phil Ivey has become the latest high-stakes pro to partner with Ethereum-based poker site Virtue Poker, with his recruitment coming just a few months after Dan Colman and Brian Rast also joined the site as ambassadors. Just like his colleagues, Ivey will now use his expertise to help in the fields of product development and brand awareness, and commenting after his appointment, stated:
“I’m looking forward to serving as a strategic adviser to the Virtue Poker team. I believe their new peer-to-peer solution built using blockchain technology can add significant value to the online poker experience.”
While Virtue Poker looks similar to other online poker sites, the blockchain technology it is based upon allows it a number of advantages over traditional sites. This includes using a fairer random number generator that prevents even the company from being able to see a players’ cards, as well as players funding their accounts via a cryptocurrency digital wallet, thus preventing the potential misuse of player funds.
Despite the technology’s obvious advantages, Virtue’s Co-Founder Ryan Gittleson acknowledges the significant challenges ahead for the site, especially with PokerStars controlling more than 60% of the global market. One of those challenges involves achieving a viable level of liquidity through an orchestrated acquisition campaign, which is an area in which Ivey should prove invaluable to the brand. As Gittleson explains:
“Ivey will work with our team and provide feedback on our software and user experience. Ivey has built a vast network of partners in the gaming industry due to his experience playing for the past 20 years which Virtue Poker can leverage in helping us bring our product to market.”
Gittleson also described Ivey as an “absolute legend” whose presence playing poker on the site, or wearing a Virtue Poker patch on televised events will help to attract a greater level of interest from the worldwide poker community.
This year, Phil Ivey turned 40, allowing him to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in acknowledgement for his incredible success in the game, and having gained the respect and admiration of his fellow pros. He currently boasts $23,856,033 in live career earnings, including winning 10 WSOP bracelets, and has also won countless other millions of dollars playing cash games, either online or in the live arena.