Phil Ivey was born on February 1st, 1977, in Riverside, California, but grew up with his family in New Jersey. It was here that Phil’s romance with the game of poker really began, as Phil, growing up as a teenager, was obsessed with the game of poker and spent most of his time studying the game and trying to understand the psychology of the game of poker. In order to get better at the game of poker, Phil spent most of his time playing the game of poker at Atlantic City, slowly but surely making a name for himself as a fearless player of the game of poker. It was here that Phil really defined the kind of player he was going to be, and it was this kind of playing style that really brought Phil to the top of his game.
Making a name for himself in the world of poker
Phil Ivey started to make a name for himself in the early 2000s, and by mid decade he was dominating the major tournaments. No less than 11 WSOP bracelets are now on his mantle, which puts him in the top 10 all time greats – a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
His wins have come in a variety of formats, not just the good old fashioned No Limit Holdem, so it’s clear that he is a true allrounder. And that was made clear in 2009 when he got to the final table of the Main Event and came 7th – showing that he can mix it with the best of the best in the world.
Poker success that goes way beyond the WSOP
Of course the WSOP helped get his name out there but Phil Ivey has also had a ton of success on the World Poker Tour. 2008 was a particularly good year for him – when he won the L.A. Poker Classic and banked a cool 7 figure sum. And it was the perfect example of his ability to take on the very best of the best even when it’s a televised event. Of course it’s not just in structured tournaments that he excels – Ivey is widely regarded as one of the most feared guys around when it comes to the high stakes cash games. His fellow pros often comment on how he keeps his cool under pressure and it’s a key part of his success.
The Reason why Phil Ivey is so Good at Poker
So what’s the secret to Phil Ivey’s success? Well one thing is that he stays calm under pressure – which means it’s hard for his opponents to get a read on him. He’s also got a very balanced and intuitive style of play and is always ready to take on the toughest opponents. What he’s really looking for is a deep understanding of the game, who’s likely to have what hand and how they are going to play it out. And because of that he’s earned himself a ton of respect in the game – he’s one of those guys that other pros really appreciate. Many of them will tell you he’s the ultimate “player’s player”, someone who is best appreciated by other players who really get the game.
How Phil Ivey has Shaped The Modern Game Of Poker
Over the years the game of poker has grown and changed a lot – and through it all Phil Ivey has remained one of its most recognisable faces. He’s always been happy to lend a hand whether it was through sponsorship deals, media appearances or just being a good ambassador for the game. He’s been a key part in helping online poker grow and expand – and has also inspired a new generation of players to get into the game.
His lasting legacy in the world of poker
In 2017 Phil Ivey was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame – a rare honour for a player still competing at the top level. Even now, a number of years later, he’s still putting in strong results in high buy-in events and specialist mixed games. It’s not often you see guys still competing at the top in this way at an advanced stage of their careers.
The bottom line on Phil Ivey
Phil Ivey is a classic example of natural ability mixed with an unswerving mentality and drive to succeed. Right from his early days playing in Atlantic City to his current status as a worldwide phenomenon in the game, he has performed at every level and has been a source of inspiration for keen and already-famous players from all over the world. It is no surprise that he is still one of the most respected players in the game.
