Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative feedback from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.