Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the adverse comments from other people destroy his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his skills at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a common thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the better known pros which includes "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 Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He states that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making mistakes in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.