Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed a number 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 successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.