Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. 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.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.