Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the adverse comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning period and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.