Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup everything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative comments from others kill his goal of being one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an eternal passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.