Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.