Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.