Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn everything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from others kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He started playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where 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 defeated many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.