Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught him penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he could about poker. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the negative comments from others destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning period and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. 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 skills to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. Phil continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.