Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he could about poker. He routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the negative feedback from others kill his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing seriously after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a common thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he destroyed many of the well known professionals 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 Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an undying love for the game of poker. He states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes errors in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Even though Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a normal basis.