Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. He knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.