Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the globe by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills 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. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.