Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.