Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. He became known 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 $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.