Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.
