Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.