Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker competitor on the globe by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the detrimental feedback from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a normal thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the better known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an eternal love for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very humble about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.