Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.