Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.