Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from other people annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning period and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed 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 skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.