Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from other people kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.