Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching turning one. His papa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover everything he possibly could about the game. Phil would tell his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t permit the negative feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made 2 final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many 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 next level and headed out west to Las Vegas. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing passion for poker. Phil states that he’s picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his success. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.