Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative comments from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false 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 learning opportunity and winning was not a normal thing 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 $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.