Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker competitor on the planet by many of the top-ranked pros. He was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before his first birthday. His grandpa introduced him to penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From then on on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to learn anything he could about the game. He routinely told his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t let the adverse comments from others kill his goal of becoming one of the strongest poker competitors on the planet.
He began playing seriously after acquiring a fake ID by the name of Jerome. He honed his techniques at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The initial few years for Phil were a learning period and winning was not a normal outcome at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 WSOP where he achieved 2 final tables and won his first WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the final table he defeated many of the better known pros which includes "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Sin City. He continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to hard work and an undying love for poker. Phil says that he’s 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.
Although Ivey has come first in some big tournaments, he favors winning money games on a regular basis.