Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor on the globe by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover whatever he could about poker. He would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the negative comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for Phil were a teaching period and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he defeated many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills 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 on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable passion for poker. He says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a normal basis.
