Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he could about poker. He routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal love for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and always aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.