Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He began competing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. 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 made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.