Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him 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 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.