Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.
