Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.
