Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative feedback from other people destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the better 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 headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.