Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to 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 hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.
