Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from others destroy his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker 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.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
