Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from others destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Although Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.
