Holdem Secrets

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.

Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.

Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.