Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from others kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not 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 $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals 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 Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.