NL Texas Holdem Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from other people destroy his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.