Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.