Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.