Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He started competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his first 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 professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.