Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse comments from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He became known 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 two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.