Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to New Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather showed him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup whatever he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He did not let the adverse comments from other people annihilate his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors in the world.
He began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a learning experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker when he achieved two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed a number of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and moved out west to Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He states that he’s learning every day and is very humble about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has won some large tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.