Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number 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 Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best 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 single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.