Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to 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 discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
