Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.