Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental comments from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "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. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.