Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor in the world by most of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to learn whatever he could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not allow the adverse comments from others destroy his dream of becoming one of the best poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and winning was not a common outcome at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an immeasurable passion for the game of poker. Phil states that he’s learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. Phil admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers winning cash games on a regular basis.