Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided 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 in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.
