Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa 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 could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from other people annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.