Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.