Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker contender on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.
