Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.
