Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker contender on the planet by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching period and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many 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 next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.