Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by many of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing love for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
