Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the globe by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover everything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.
