Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. He would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil started 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 learning experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.