Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game 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 achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.