Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known pros 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. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline 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 success. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.