Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing love for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.