Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.