Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey 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 wanted to discover whatever he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.