Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his success. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.