Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number 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 Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.