07.03
No-Limit Holdem Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.
