Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.