Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching turning one. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative comments from others annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including but not limited to "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 compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is quite humble about his achievements. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.