Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a normal thing 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 World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.