Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known pros which includes "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 Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.