Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn everything he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes mistakes in each session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.