Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the planet by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup everything he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.