Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals 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 headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.