Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup everything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from other people destroy his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last 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 skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.