Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil 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 passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.