Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.