Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.