Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse feedback from other people destroy his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
