Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about poker. He would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular 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, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. 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 made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.