Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.