Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker contender on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros including but not limited to "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 Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his success. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.
