Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his 1st 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 professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his success. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.