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 moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.