Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker contender on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.