Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.