Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next 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 success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.
