Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker contender on the planet by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.