12.07
No-Limit Holdem Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.