Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender on the planet by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals 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 play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.