Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse feedback from other people kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.