Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup every little thing he could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.