Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.
