No-Limit Hold’em Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.