Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse comments from other people destroy his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.