Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.