Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse comments from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil 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 immeasurable love for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.