Phil Ivey has been labeled as the number one poker competitor on the planet by quite a few of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to NJ before his first birthday. His grandpa taught Phil one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was addicted to poker and wanted to discover anything he could about the game. Phil would tell his parents that he was going to be a professional poker player. He didn’t let the adverse feedback from others annihilate his goal of being one of the greatest poker players in the world.
Phil started playing seriously after getting a false ID by the name of Jerome. He sharpened his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for him were a learning period and winning was not a normal thing at the time. He became known at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made two final tables and won his 1st WSOP bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha game. At the closing table he destroyed quite a few 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 skills to the successive level and headed out west to Vegas. Phil continues to participate in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the best players on the planet. Phil credits his success to dedication and an undying love for the game of poker. Phil says that he is picking up skills every day and is very abashed about his achievements. Phil knows he makes errors every single session of poker and constantly aspires to get better.
Although Phil has come first in some large tournaments, he favors winning money games on a normal basis.