Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next 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 dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.