Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to pickup every little thing he possibly 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 annihilate his goal of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started playing intently after acquiring a false ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning period and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he made two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his game to the successive level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every single day and is quite humble about his accomplishments. He knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big-time tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a normal basis.