Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa showed him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he possibly could about the game. He routinely would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the adverse feedback from other people destroy his dream of being one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
He began playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. He knows he makes errors in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a normal basis.