Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker 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 quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.