Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.
