Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.