Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate 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. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.
