Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.