No-Limit Hold’em Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an eternal love for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.