Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn anything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. 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 made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.