Phil Ivey has been branded as the best 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 penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.
