Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental comments from others kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.