Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.