Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative comments from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "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. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.