Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few 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 next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.