Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided 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 in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.
