Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the globe by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse feedback from others destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.