Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative comments from other people annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a common thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a regular basis.
