Phil Ivey has been branded as the number one poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before reaching the age of 1. His papa taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was hooked on poker and wished to discover everything he possibly could about the game. He routinely told his elders that he wanted to be a professional poker player. He didn’t allow the negative comments from others destroy his dream of being one of the best poker players on the planet.
He started competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his game at the casinos in Atlantic City. The initial number of years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP where he made two final tables and came away with his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known professionals including but not limited to "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. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Ivey credits his success to discipline and a continuing love for poker. He says that he is learning every day and is incredibly humble about his success. He admits to making blunders every single game of poker and always aspires to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has won some big tournaments, he likes destroying cash games on a normal basis.
