Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse comments from others kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial 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 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.