Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the globe by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from other people annihilate his dream of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.