Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.
