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 Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative feedback from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors every single game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.