Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from other people destroy his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many 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 successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.
