Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his ambition of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for him were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated quite a few of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every single day and is very humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.