Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.