Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.