Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa showed him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.