Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from other people destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. 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 made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes errors every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.