Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover everything he could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period 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 when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.