Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.