Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup anything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the better known pros including "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. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.