Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. He would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed 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 game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.