Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.