Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal love for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.
