Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the detrimental comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a common thing at the time. He made his mark 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 event. At the last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.