Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many 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 game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.