Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.