Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best 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 taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse feedback from others destroy his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros including but not limited to "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. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a normal basis.