Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the globe by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the negative feedback from others annihilate his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a normal basis.
