Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 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 last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las 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 eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
