Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover everything he could about poker. Phil would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the strongest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning period and winning wasn’t a regular outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the successive level and headed 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 hard work and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s learning every single day and is quite abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes mistakes every single session of poker and constantly aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he favors destroying money games on a regular basis.