Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning one. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is very humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.