Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well 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 Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.