Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative feedback from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.