Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.
