Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known professionals 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 Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.
