Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from other people destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.
