Phil Ivey has been referred to as the number one poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to learn every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil would tell his parents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the detrimental comments from others kill his ambition of being one of the best poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after getting a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a teaching experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil decided to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil states that he is learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each session of poker and always aspires to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has come first in some big-time tournaments, he likes destroying money games on a regular basis.