Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from other people annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.