Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills 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 on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.
