Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover whatever he could about poker. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from others annihilate his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known 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 event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals 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 moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.
