Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.