NL Texas Holdem Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about poker. He would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative feedback from other people kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a common thing 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, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.