Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the globe by quite a few of the top pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to New Jersey before his first birthday. His pappa taught him penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he could about poker. Phil routinely told his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the negative feedback from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began competing intently after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his techniques at the poker rooms in Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and winning was not a common thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he defeated many of the better known pros which includes "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 participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Ivey credits his success to dedication and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is incredibly abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making mistakes every single game of poker and always strives to get better.
Even though Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he likes winning cash games on a normal basis.