Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously 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 experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros which includes "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 Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.