Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros including "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 Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.
