Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.