Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about the game. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching period and winning was not a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated a number of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.