Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.
