Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision 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 in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.