NL Hold’em Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker player in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros 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 moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.