No-Limit Holdem Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.