Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse feedback from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few 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 achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last 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 successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.