Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to 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. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number 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 game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Phil has won some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.