Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.