Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the adverse comments from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win 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 came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing love for poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes every single session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.