Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative feedback from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.