Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.