Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.
