Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the globe by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His papa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.