Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.