Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. He knows he makes mistakes in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.