Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
He started competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.