Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.