Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.
