Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.