Phil Ivey has been referred to as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before reaching turning one. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to learn everything he could about the game. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from other people annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
He started playing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning wasn’t a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the closing table he defeated a number of the well known professionals including but not limited to "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 Las Vegas. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big-time tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a regular basis.
