Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he could about the game. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "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 Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.