Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common outcome 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 closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He 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 immeasurable love for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.