Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental comments from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying passion for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.
