Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His papa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated a number of the better 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 Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.