Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people kill his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win 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 won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.