Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his success. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.