Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by most of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the detrimental feedback from other people annihilate his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil 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 a continuing love for poker. He states that he is learning every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.