Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.