Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover whatever he could about poker. He routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the detrimental comments from other people kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t 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 first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he defeated many of the better known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Even though Phil has won some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.