Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about poker. He would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the well 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 headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.