Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the adverse comments from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.