Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.
