Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He 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 an eternal love for poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.
