Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.