Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills 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 greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.