Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn everything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an undying passion for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.