Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil started competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.