Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental comments from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.
