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 relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative feedback from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.
