Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup anything he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final 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 skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.
