Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup everything he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative feedback from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.