Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated a number 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 successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.