Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of one. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup everything he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his success. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.