Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark 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 event. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "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 Sin City. Phil continues to compete in 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 the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.