Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 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 final table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.