Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.