Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about poker. He would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from other people kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning period and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.
