Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the globe by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.