Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.
