Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative feedback from other people kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well 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 next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.