Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor in the world by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn anything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the negative comments from other people destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
He began playing seriously after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning period and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil 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 last table he destroyed many of the better known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.