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Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He 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 a continuing love for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.
