NL Holdem Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker player in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people kill his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.