Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.