Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making blunders in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.