Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup whatever he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the well known professionals which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the successive level and moved out west to Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and a continuing passion for the game of poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.