Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.