Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.