Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about the game. He routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.