Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from other people kill his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many 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 moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.