Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.
