Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental feedback from other people destroy his goal of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
He started competing seriously after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for Phil were a teaching period and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few 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 game to the successive level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making errors every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.