Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from other people kill his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.