Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse comments from other people kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete 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. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.
