Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from other people kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.