Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from other people kill his goal of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.