Phil Ivey has been referred to as the greatest poker competitor on the planet by most of the top-ranked professionals. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandfather taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wanted to pickup everything he could about poker. Phil routinely would tell his parents that he was planning on being a professional poker player. Phil did not let the detrimental feedback from other people kill his goal of becoming one of the best poker players in the world.
He began competing intently after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the casinos of Atlantic City. The first few years for him were a learning experience and coming away with a win wasn’t a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a two dollar, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha match. At the last table he destroyed quite a few of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the next level and headed out west to Vegas. He continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and a continuing passion for poker. He says that he is picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his success. Phil knows he makes blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to improve.
Although Ivey has won some large tournaments, he prefers winning money games on a regular basis.