Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.