Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.