Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the negative comments from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil 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, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "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 Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.
