Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the globe by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from others destroy his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known 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 event. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. 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 a continuing passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.