Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with 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 including but not limited to "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 Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.
