Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the negative comments from others annihilate his dream of becoming one of the greatest poker competitors on the planet.
He began competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to hard work and an eternal passion for poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Even though Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a regular basis.