Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.