Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.