Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from other people destroy his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He began playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.