Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he could about the game. He would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number 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 successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.