NL Hold’em Poker- Who is Phil Ivey?

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Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup anything he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.

He began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

He decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.

Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.