Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the globe by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.