Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "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 Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.