Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching the age of 1. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil did not let the negative feedback from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He started playing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to hard work and an immeasurable passion for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.
January 9th, 2026
Spencer
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