Phil Ivey has been branded as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by many of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His papa taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to learn every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not allow the adverse feedback from others kill his ambition of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil began competing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a normal outcome at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he achieved two final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he defeated many of the better known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly abashed about his success. He admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he favors destroying cash games on a regular basis.