Phil Ivey has been branded as the best poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wanted to discover every little thing he possibly could about poker. Phil routinely told his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil did not permit the detrimental comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the greatest poker players on the planet.
Phil began competing seriously after getting a fake ID with the name of Jerome. He honed his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The initial few years for him were a learning experience and winning wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the final table he destroyed quite a few of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his game to the next level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players in the world. Phil credits his success to discipline and an eternal passion for poker. Phil says that he’s picking up skills every day and is incredibly humble about his accomplishments. Phil admits to making errors every single session of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a regular basis.
