Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn everything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known 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, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.
