Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others annihilate his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved two final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.
