Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.