Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.