Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing 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 made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his success. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.