Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a common 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, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.