Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided 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 greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.