Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few 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 moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.
