Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.