Whenever I get together with serious pro players, I ask them who, in their opinion, is the best player today. Without exception, from Barry Greenstein to Paul Phillips, they respond, "Phil Ivey."

They say that Ivey is a scary opponent, because he just doesn't care about the money on the table, and will relentlessly attack any weakness he sees, regardless of his cards.

According to a press release from BLUFF, Ivey's accomplishments include:

• Over $3.4 million in tournament earnings.
• 7 final tables; a World Series of Poker bracelet in $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha.
• A top 25 finish in the WSOP Main Event.
• A win at the 2005 Monte Carlo Millions.

Ivey won his first WSOP title in 2000 at the age of 23 when he beat Phil Helmuth and Amarillo Slim in the Pot-Limit Omaha event, and picked up three more in the 2003 WSOP. He is a regular player in The Big Game at Bellagio, where he is described as "a consistent winner" in the 2000/4000 mixed game. (That's also known as 'The game where they wager more in one round than I earn in a year.")

To determine their player of the year, BLUFF uses the Bluff/ESPN Poker Power Rankings, which are "based on the results of major tournaments over a trailing 24-month period. Qualifying tournaments must have a minimum $5,000 buy-in, at least 100 participants."

The 2006 race, just a few weeks old, is currently lead by PCA winner Steve Paul-Ambrose.

Congratulations, Phil! I hope I never have to sit to your right.