Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.