Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse feedback from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals 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. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.