Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the globe by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.