Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative feedback from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an eternal love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.
