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 New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "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 participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.