Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.