Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.