NL Hold’em Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker player on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ 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 learn everything he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.