Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup everything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.