NL Hold’em Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.