Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative comments from others kill his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few 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 headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.
