Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse comments from other people destroy his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.