Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved 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 success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.