Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when 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 pros which includes "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 Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.