Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from other people kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.
