Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.
