Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an eternal love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.