Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before reaching the age of one. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker competitors on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and a continuing passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Ivey has won some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.