Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros including "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. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.