Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative feedback from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals which includes "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 Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He admits to making errors in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.