Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number 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 headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.