Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative comments from others annihilate his ambition of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a normal thing 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 first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. 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.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.
