Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.