Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse comments from others annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "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. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.
