Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final 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 skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.