Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.