Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.