Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he could about the game. He routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.