Ivey League and Global Poker Index Align Forces

August 4th, 2014 | by Kaycee James

Dan Smith is ranked first in the GPI standings, and represents the Ivey League site. (Image: onlinepoker.net)

The Global Poker Index exists to highlight the best tournament poker players in the world. Phil Ivey is a name that’s always at or near the top of any poker list. So it’s only natural that the two would find a way to combine their efforts in order to promote their players, not to mention the game of poker itself.

The Global Poker Index (GPI) and the Ivey League website have announced a partnership that will see extensive cross-promotion of their services and players. The combination of the two sites is a fairly natural one: the GPI is probably the most well-respected ranking system in tournament poker today, and the Ivey League boasts a tremendous stable of top poker pros, including Dan Smith, who is currently atop the GPI rankings.

Benefits Seen in Facebook Apps, Q&A Sessions

The first notable benefit for fans will come to those who use the Fantasy Poker Manager app on Facebook, which is operated by the GPI. Through that game, users will be able to receive discounts and offers from Ivey League, as well as more access to pros working for the site.

“Ivey League is a single source for all training needs,” Ivey League founder Phil Ivey said in a press release. “Our goal is to provide the tools necessary to increase the skill level of every poker player and to win. We look forward to working with the Global Poker Index as they are a leader in promoting poker as a sport/skill game.”

Players will also see increased cooperation between the two groups at the Hendon Mob, the tournament poker database that is owned by the GPI. The Hendon Mob Forum will host a series of Q&A sessions with selected Ivey League pros. The GPI and Hendon Mob have become heavily integrated in recent months, with the GPI rankings for all players now available on their profile pages in the Hendon Mob Database.

Global Poker Index CEO Alexandre Dreyfus expressed excitement over the partnership.

“We are elated to be working with the biggest name in the game of poker,” Dreyfus said. “We hope that this team will further highlight the game of poker and promote its players.”

Ivey League Stable Includes Top Pro Players

Ivey League has been set up as a teaching and coaching site for poker players, offering resources for players from beginners through experts. Along with ten-time World Seires of Poker bracelet winner Phil Ivey, other coaches on the site include Patrik Antonius, Andrew Lichtenberger, Jennifer Harman and Ronnie Bardah.

Global Poker Index

The Global Poker Index was initially developed in conjunction with the now defunct Epic Poker League, and was designed as a way to rank players based on their results in high buy-in tournaments worldwide. Today, the GPI includes overall rankings, a Player of the Year race, and a Challenger Cup that is designed to reward players at mid-stakes.

Currently, five of the top 100 players in the GPI standings are members of the Ivey League team. Dan Smith is the overall leader, closely followed by players such as Ole Schemion and Daniel Negreanu. The GPI is now operated by parent company Zokay Entertainment.