Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the well known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and headed 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 dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes winning money games on a normal basis.