Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup everything he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.