Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.
