Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the negative feedback from other people annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.