Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.