Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "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. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal love for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.