Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two 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 quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.