Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.