Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative comments from other people kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil 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 teaching period and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.