Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from others kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills 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 best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.