Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.
