Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.