Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.