Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.