Ivey vs FTP (part 2)

June 2, 2011, Posted by Ali.Masterman

So after yesterday's dramatic goings on at the WSOP the dust hadn't even had time to settle before Tiltware, the software and marketing company behind Full Tilt Poker had released a statement surrounding Phil Ivey's stance. 

Ivey has filed a case against Full Tilt Poker, claiming damages of over $150 million. The poker community were lauding Ivey a hero, a modern day Robin Hood who would sacrifice his world (the WSOP 2011) by going after the merciless rich (Full Tilt Poker) in order to save the online bankrolls of the masses. Today it seems that people are becoming a little more skeptical about Mr Ivey's motives. Anyway this is what Tiltware had to say:

'Contrary to his sanctimonious public statements, Phil Ivey’s meritless lawsuit is about helping just one player – himself. In an effort to further enrich himself at the expense of others, Mr. Ivey appears to have timed his lawsuit to thwart pending deals with several parties that would put money back in players’ pockets. In fact, Mr. Ivey has been invited -- and has declined -- to take actions that could assist the company in these efforts, including paying back a large sum of money he owes the site. Tiltware doubts Mr. Ivey’s frivolous and self-serving lawsuit will ever get to court. But if it does, the company looks forward to presenting facts demonstrating that Mr. Ivey is putting his own narrow financial interests ahead of the players he professes to help'.

So there we have it. Ivey claims his 'name has been dragged through the mud' and is acting on behalf of the players. Tiltware and Andrew Robl, among others, have been quick to attack Ivey's stance, claiming that this is the act of a selfish man and hugely detrimental to FTP in their hour of need. 

It's hard to muster any sympathy for Full Tilt Poker. For a company that has been making vast amounts of money to act how they have done is unprofessional, unethical and quite frankly inconceivable. I'm also wary however that Phil Ivey is unlikely to stump up the dosh to bail out players. Who knows, he may end up assisting players in getting their money back, but c'mon, it's Phil Ivey - He's intent on getting his piece of the pie first...

As always, we'll be following this story as it unravels. Hopefully we'll have some poker to report on too!