Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor in the world by many of the top-ranked professionals. He was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wished to learn everything he possibly could about poker. He routinely would tell his grandparents that he wanted to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t allow the negative comments from other people kill his dream of being one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
Phil started competing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He practiced his abilities at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a teaching experience and winning wasn’t a common outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he made 2 final tables and came away with his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the closing table he destroyed a number of the well 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 Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his success to hard work and an undying passion for the game of poker. Phil says that he’s learning every day and is quite abashed about his achievements. He knows he makes errors in each session of poker and always strives to get better.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.
