Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn everything he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known pros 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 moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.