06.03
No-Limit Texas Hold’em Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?
Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from others destroy his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.