Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the well known professionals including "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. Phil credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.