Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.