Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.