Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from other people kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.