Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup anything he could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started 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 few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.