Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about the game. He would tell his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of becoming one of the strongest poker players on the planet.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first few years for Phil were a teaching opportunity and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved 2 final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he defeated a number of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an immeasurable love for poker. He states that he is learning every day and is very abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making errors in each session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Even though Ivey has come first in some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.