Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros 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 moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.