NL Holdem Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.