Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the adverse comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.
