Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.