Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known pros 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 Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.
