Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many 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 moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.