Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.