Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.