Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his success. He knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.