Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the globe by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to discover anything he could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative feedback from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed many 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 game to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.