Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.