Phil IveyName: Phil Ivey
Nickname: “Tiger Woods” of Poker
Age: 27
From: California
Favorite games: No Limit Texas Hold’em, 7 Card Stud
Phil Ivey has only been playing poker as a professional for 10 years. He is becoming an icon in the way the poker world is changing, even though he is only 27. When being referred to as the “Tiger Woods” of poker, he says “Tiger is the best at his game. I'm not there, yet". It is a nickname that he really seems uncomfortable with good reason.
Phil Ivey has burst onto the poker scene the last couple of years and is now considered one of the top poker players in the world and many consider him to be the future of the game. In 2000 Phil won the World Series of Poker, Pot Limit Omaha. Then in 2002 he won 3 more events at the World Series of Poker to move into an elite field of players. His 3 bracelets in one year tie him with only 2 other players to have done that (Phil Hellmuth Jr. and Ted Forrest). In 2003 he took second at the World Poker Open then went on to take third at the World Poker Tour Championship before going to Vegas and placing 10th in the World Series of Poker main event.
Phil came from California but grew up in New Jersey then moved to Atlantic City before moving to Las Vegas with his wife who was his high school sweetheart. When Phil isn't working on his game he's playing pick-up basketball, listening to music, or following his favorite sports team - the Los Angeles Lakers. He's also taken up golf. He's just learning, but would like to become very good. His first love was video gaming before he moved into poker. He is a strong seven card stud player in addition to being a strong No Limit player, as evidenced by his win at the 2002 World Series of Poker and his placement at the final table in the 2003 main event.
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