Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.
