Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to discover whatever he could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative feedback from others kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
Phil began playing seriously after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The beginning number of years for Phil were a learning opportunity and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he made two final tables and won his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed a number of the well known professionals which includes "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. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Ivey credits his achievements to discipline and an immeasurable love for poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every single day and is very abashed about his success. Phil admits to making errors every single game of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some large tournaments, he favors winning cash games on a normal basis.