Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.