Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his success. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.