Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He did not permit the adverse feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He states that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. Phil knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a normal basis.