Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup everything he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.