Holdem Secrets

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.

Phil began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.

Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.