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Phil Ivey: Professional Poker Player Profile

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Only in his late twenties, Phil Ivey stands as one of the youngest poker champions in the circuit. He is also considered by his peers as one of the best. Ivey holds the record for most bracelets won in a year for his performance in the 2002 World Series of Poker (WSOP), at the 7 card stud, 7 card stud hi/lo and the S.H.O.E. events. In addition to his current total of five WSOP bracelets, he has also consistently placed in the top 25 from 2002 to 2005.

Phil Ivey's play style is best described as hyper-aggressive. Even veteran players have admitted to being unnerved by his constant attack strategy. Ivey prides himself in being self-taught. Experience, and not theory, was what led him to discover his skills.

Phil Ivey has quite a few recent achievements under his belt. On November 20, 2005 Ivey ruled the Monte Carlos Millions tournament, walking away with the full $1 million first prize. Four days later he won first prize in the Fulltiltpoker.com invitation-only game that was televised on Fox Sports Net, making off with $600,000. Ivey sticks more to playing cash games than actual tournaments, but his tournament accomplishments have also reeled in a staggering amount of money. His tournament winnings exceed $5,390,000 as of 2005.

Ivey grew up in New Jersey. He used to work at a telemarketing firm, where his co-workers helped him develop his playing prowess. Phil was also an expert salesman and fast-talker; when there was something he wanted, little could stop him. As a teenager he used to run off to Atlantic City, toting a false ID he flashed so he could be allowed to play the tables. He got the moniker "No Name Jerome" from the false name he used, Jerome Graham. Before becoming a pro poker player, Ivey was well-known in video gaming circles.

This young man is a highly focused, dedicated player. Despite his age, he has already been playing professionally for over 10 years. But though he has reached the final tables at the World Poker Tournament (WPT) quite a few times, he has yet to win an event. Phil Ivey has been called the Tiger Woods of poker, but he has humbly declined the title, saying he still has a lot to learn. One gets the impression that this dazzling young player is still warming up to take over the gaming world.

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